FARGO — The “Evil Disco” is returning to the Red River Valley.
Jade Presents has announced that industrial metal titans Static-X will headline a major outdoor concert at the Up District Festival Field on Wednesday, August 5, 2026. They will be joined by longtime touring mates Dope and Fargo’s own thrash metal outfit, Pursuit.
Gates for the event will open at 5 p.m., with music scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
A Long-Awaited Return
This performance marks a significant return for Static-X, who have not performed in the immediate Fargo area for over a decade. The band was a staple of the local heavy music scene during the mid-2000s, with notable past performances including a high-energy set at The Venue at Playmakers on May 26, 2007, during their Cannibal tour, and a subsequent appearance at the same venue on September 22, 2012, during the Noise Revolution tour.
Since those performances, the band has undergone a massive transformation following the tragic passing of frontman Wayne Static in 2014. In 2018, the original surviving lineup—bassist Tony Campos, guitarist Koichi Fukuda, and drummer Ken Jay—reunited to honor Static’s legacy. They are now fronted by the mysterious vocalist Xer0, whose masked persona and faithful recreation of the band’s signature “Wisconsin Death Trip” sound have won over critics and die-hard fans globally.
About the Lineup
Static-X One of the genre-defining bands of the late 90s, Static-X was founded in Los Angeles in 1994. They skyrocketed to fame with their 1999 platinum-selling debut, Wisconsin Death Trip, which introduced the world to their unique fusion of heavy metal, industrial beats, and techno grooves—a sound they dubbed “Evil Disco.” Over the next decade, they released five more studio albums, including fan favorites Machine (2001) and Shadow Zone (2003), selling over 3 million albums in the U.S. alone. The revitalized lineup continues to sell out venues worldwide, proving their industrial grit is as relevant as ever.
Dope
Joining the bill is Dope, a New York City-based industrial metal band formed in 1997 by brothers Edsel and Simon Dope. Known for their aggressive blend of punk, metal, and industrial electronics, Dope rose to prominence with hits like “Die MF Die” and “Debonaire.” The band has a long history of touring with Static-X and is renowned for their ferocious live energy. Led by vocalist Edsel Dope, the group remains a powerhouse in the industrial metal scene, consistently delivering high-octane performances that bridge the gap between late-90s nostalgia and modern heavy music.
Pursuit
Opening the show is a nod to the local metal community with Fargo’s own Pursuit. A rising force in the regional scene, Pursuit creates a punishing blend of death and thrash metal. The band, featuring Dalton (Bass/Vocals), Henri (Guitars/Vocals), and Kryos (Drums), has been building momentum following their blistering Demolition 2023 EP. Their inclusion on the bill offers a prime opportunity for local metalheads to see homegrown talent share the stage with international heavyweights.
Tickets can be purchased online at JadePresents.com, by phone at (701) 298-0071, or in person at the Tickets300 box office (1320 1st Ave. N), which is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
