Jon Wysocki, the founding drummer for the band Staind, has passed away at the age of 53. His death was confirmed by his bandmates in Lydia’s Castle, where he had been playing since his departure from Staind in 2011.
“On 5/18/2024 at 8:02pm, Jon Wysocki passed away surrounded by family and friends that loved him dearly,” the band wrote on social media. “An official statement will be developed shortly.”
Following his time with Staind, Wysocki played with Soil, who also shared their condolences. “Today we lost one of the greats,” Soil posted. “Jon Wysocki was not only a great friend, a great drummer, but a great human being. It was an honor to have him in SOiL for the time we did. We had so many laughs, so many good times. You will be missed dearly. Until we meet again, dear friend.”
Blabbermouth reported that Wysocki had been dealing with liver issues requiring medical care.
Jon Wysocki’s Legacy with Staind
Jon Wysocki co-founded Staind in 1995 alongside Aaron Lewis, Mike Mushok, and Johnny April in Springfield, Massachusetts. The band released their independent debut album, Tormented, a year later. Despite initial controversy over its graphic artwork, which almost jeopardized their chance to open for Limp Bizkit, Fred Durst was impressed by their live performance and helped them sign to Flip Records.
In a past interview, Wysocki explained his approach to drumming: “Rather than overplay and try to outdo other members of the band, I try to work for the song… It’s not a competition. You need to be a team player. Really, that’s what it is. It’s a package deal. And you have to work as a team. You have to be on the same page and want to do the same things.”
The synergy between Wysocki, April, Mushok, and Lewis propelled Staind to the forefront of the post-grunge and nu-metal movements of the late ’90s and early ’00s. Their second album, Dysfunction, showcased their raw aggression, while their follow-up, Break the Cycle, achieved massive commercial success.
Jon Wysocki’s contributions to music and his influence on Staind’s rise will be remembered by fans and musicians alike. His legacy as a team player and dedicated drummer leaves an indelible mark on the rock music scene.
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