Original ‘Staind’ Drummer Jon Wysocki Dead At 56

The original drummer for the band Staind, Jon Wysocki, who played for the band during their first seven albums, passed away this week at the age of 56. No cause of death was released.

Wysocki co-founded the band “Staind” in 1995 with singer Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist Johnny April. Two years after the group’s creation, they found their first major success with their first major label release “dysfunction,” which was produced by Limp Bizkit singer Fred Durst.

Following the success of “Dysfunction,” the band was propelled to the forefront of the music scene. They eventually ended up headlining the massive 1999 Family Values tour with Limp Bizkit and Filter, as well as featuring appearances from artists like Run-DMC, Sevendust, and Korn.

Staind’s third studio album, “Break the Cycle,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Ultimately, the album ended up going five times platinum.

Wysocki continued his work with Staind until 2011 when he left the band due to alleged friction with lead singer Aaron Lewis.

The lead singer, Aaron Lewis, released a statement following his former bandmate’s passing, in which he acknowledged the friction between the two.

“I’m so sad. I lost my friend. A friend I loved like a brother… fought with like a brother,” he wrote. “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.”

Entertainment Weekly

Staind’s official Instagram account posted a tribute following Wysocki’s passing.

“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 times together. From practice in Ludlow, Mass to touring around the world, Jon was integral to who we were as a band. Our hearts go out to Jon’s family, and fans around the world who loved him.”

Entertainment Weekly

Rest in peace!