Upon his release from prison, he moved to New York City and briefly teamed up with Johnny Thunders. In 1979 they formed the band Gang War. He also played with popular 1980 band Fats Deacon and the Dumbwaiters, making appearances on "The Uncle Floyd Show", and appearing at all the major clubs of that era. The Dumbwaiters also included singer, songwriter, keyboards, Derek "Fats Deacon" Jones, drummer Paul Blaccard and bassist Anthony Lombardo, Drummer Joey "Bones" Amanna, guitarist Bobby "Slacks" Brunswick (of Dungaree Dogs fame). Wayne appeared the first time as guitarist for Fats Deacon, with Bobby "Slacks" as bassist, on the Uncle Floyd Show. Wayne and Bobby Brunswick first met in 1980, while contributing guitar tracks for Fats Deacon's semi-hit "What you wanna be?" Wayne supplied the screaming hot guitar lead fills, Bobby Brunswick did the rhythm guitar tracks. The song was recorded and produced at Song Shop Records on West 22nd street in Manhattan, New York.