XStatics

The XStatics were a pop/rock band that performed together from the early-to-late 1980's. Fronted by keyboardist John Rustand, they were from 1983 to 1985 the house band at Franco's All-Nite Affair. In 1984, they also had a few gigs at Franco's Lounge, which was then the largest capacity single venue in town. During most of that time, their lineup also included lead guitarist Bobby Devito, bassist Arthur Hall, drummer Scott Slusser, and soundman "Sticks" Johnston. Their song list covered hits by The Cars, Ramones, INXS, Tom Petty, John Cougar (later Mellencamp) and others with mostly either current or recent radio hits. On July 4, 1984 the band backed-up Mike Danger's Chainsaw Massacre, where Danger sang, played bass guitar, took a sledgehammer to a TV set, and cut a surfboard in half. After Franco's All-Nite Affair closed in early 1985, guitarist Devito left the band, and was replaced by local talent Ron Hill. The loss of the house gig was coupled by several members being replaced, and the band performing at both intown and out-of-town venues. By the late 1980's, Rustand had taken employment as a radio DJ, and the band members stopped performing together. As of 2012, Rustand was still a DJ - for a conservative radio format. Plans for an XStatics reunion for the annual Pensacola Musicians Memorial concerts have been in effect since 2010, but have yet to come to fruition.