Wayne Static‘s original take of the track “Hollow” has newly been shared online. This previously unreleased version would go on to be reworked by his former bandmates in Static-X for their “Project: Regeneration Vol. 1” release. That album was built around various recordings Wayne had left unreleased/unfinished prior to his 2014 death.
This take on the song has surfaced via Matt Zane, who is directing a documentary centered around the final years of Wayne and his late wife Tera Wray‘s life. That documentary has been met with official objection from the band’s camp, as well as the estate’s of the aforementioned late couple. Zane himself has vowed to continue with the film however, citing the couple’s late wishes, and has outlined his grievances with the current incarnation of the band as well.
A statement newly issued alongside the release of this original take on “Hollow” reads as follows:
‘Director Matt Zane, creator of the forthcoming unauthorized documentary chronicling the lives of Wayne Static and his wife, Tera Wray, has announced the release of the original recording of “Hollow,” a track that was later reworked and released as the lead single from Project Regeneration by the reformed Static-X.
At the time of Project Regeneration‘s release, members Tony Campos and Edsel Dope (performing as Xer0) stated that “Hollow” had been left incomplete and that portions of the music needed to be re-recorded. According to Zane, the recently discovered original recording presents a different picture, indicating that the song had already been completed prior to its reworking.
“Let’s be honest, there was no reason to pull the music off this track and change it,” said Matt Zane. “But by doing so they get some of the publishing. Personally, I would have left it as Wayne intended.”
The newly released original version of “Hollow” is now available as a free download and can also be streamed on YouTube, giving fans the opportunity to hear Wayne Static‘s original recording.
In addition, Zane has announced that his unauthorized documentary exploring the lives of Wayne Static and Tera Wray will be made available to stream free of charge in early 2027.
For fans of Wayne Static and Static-X, the release offers a rare opportunity to experience a previously unheard recording and gain additional insight into Wayne’s creative legacy.’
The reworked version of “Hollow” would go on to be released as the lead single from “Project: Regeneration Vol. 1” in February of 2020.’ You can hear that version below as well for comparison.
