Jon Wysocki, the founding drummer of rock band Staind has died aged 53. The news was confirmed on Saturday when Wysocki's current band, Lydia's Castle, posted about his death on Instagram, writing: “On 5/18/2024 at 8:02 p.m. , @jonwysocki4 he died surrounded by family and friends who loved him very much.”
Staind also paid tribute to Wysocki in an Instagram post on Sunday, writing: “We first met Jon through mutual friends in 1994. We came together with Mike, Aaron and Johnny April in 1995 and founded Staind. The 17 years that followed were some of the best memories of our time together. From practicing in Ludlow, Mass to touring the world, Jon was an integral part of who we were as a band. Our hearts go out to Jon's family and the fans around the world who loved him.”
At press time, no information on the cause of death had been released. Lydia's Castle member Shawna Hornbeck wrote Saturday that Wysocki was:currently in the ICU. He was experiencing problems with his liver that required him to be under the care of medical professionals to ensure he was treated properly. While he was struggling, there are signs that he is slowly recovering.”
Born January 17, 1971 in Westfield, Massachusetts, Wysocki co-founded the second wave grunge band Staind in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1995 with singer/rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok and bassist Johnny April. The band self-released their debut album, Torturedin 1997, followed by their major label debut in 1999, Malfunctionwhich was co-produced by Limp Bizkit singer Fred Durst and featured the singles “Mudshovel” and “Home”.
After co-signing the Family Values tour with Limp Bizkit in late 1999, the band dropped their third LP, Break the cycle, in May 2001, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and spawned their signature No. 5 Hot 100 hit “It's Been Awhile.” Wysocki played on seven of the band's eight studio albums – up to 2011's self-titled seventh LP – before taking his leave in 2011, reportedly due to friction with lead singer Lewis. he was replaced by drummer Sal Giancarelli.
In a statement on X's account on Sunday, Lewis wrote: “I'm so sad. I lost my friend. A friend I loved like a brother… I fought with him like a brother… I cared like a brother… I worried like a brother… I cried like a brother… because he was my brother. My journey would have been different without him… The battles we fought together. The battles we fought against each other. The battles we fought side by side alone with our own demons. The battles we won and the battles we lost. He was my friend. He was our brother. My heart is broken. My world has changed. I'll see you on the other side my friend. My brother. Godspeed. My heart, love and condolences go out to his family and loved ones. I am so sad. He will be missed.”
After leaving Staind, Wysocki briefly joined the Chicago hard rock band Soil, but never recorded with them. On Sunday they also paid tribute to their late partner, writing on FB, “Today we lost one of the greats. Jon Wysocki was not only a great friend, a great drummer, but also a great person. It was an honor to have him at SOiL for as long as we did. We had so many laughs, so many good times. You will be greatly missed. Until we meet again dear friend….”
See Wysocki's death statements below.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rock/jon-wysocki-dead-staind-drummer-dies-obituary-1235687570/