Jon Wysocki, the original drummer and co-founder of the rock band Staind, has passed away at the age of 53. His death was confirmed by his current band, Lydia’s Castle, who announced the news on Instagram, stating, “On May 18, 2024, at 8:02 PM, @jonwysocki4 passed away surrounded by family and loved ones.”
Staind also paid tribute to Wysocki in an Instagram post on Sunday, in which they wrote, “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.”
At the time of reporting, no information regarding the cause of death had been disclosed. Lydia’s Castle member Shawna Hornbeck wrote on Saturday that Wysocki was “currently in the ICU. He has been experiencing liver issues that require him to be under the care of medical professionals to ensure proper treatment. While he has been facing challenges, there are indications that he is slowly recovering.”
Born on January 17, 1971, in Westfield, Massachusetts, Wysocki co-founded the second-wave grunge band Staind in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1995, along with singer/rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist Johnny April. The band self-released their debut album, Tormented, in 1997, followed by their major label debut in 1999, Dysfunction, which was co-produced by Limp Bizkit singer Fred Durst and featured the singles “Mudshovel” and “Home.” Jon Wysocki
After co-headlining the Family Values tour with Limp Bizkit in late 1999, the band released 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 — through the self-titled seventh LP released in 2011 — before departing in 2011, reportedly due to friction with singer Lewis; he was replaced by drummer Sal Giancarelli. Jon Wysocki
In a heartfelt statement shared on his X account on Sunday, Lewis expressed his profound sorrow: “I’m devastated. I’ve lost my dear friend, a brother… We fought like brothers, cared for each other like brothers, shared concerns like brothers, and shed tears like brothers. He was my brother in arms. Jon Wysocki
My journey would’ve been incomplete without him… The battles we fought together, against each other, and alongside each other in our own struggles. The victories and the defeats we faced together. He was not just a friend but a brother to us all. My heart is shattered. My world feels different now. Until we meet again, my friend. My brother. Rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences and love go out to his family and loved ones. I’m devastated beyond words. He will forever be missed.” Jon Wysocki
After departing from Staind, Wysocki briefly collaborated with the Chicago hard rock group Soil, although he did not record any material with them. On Sunday, the band also paid homage to their late bandmate, expressing on FB, “Today we mourn the loss of one of the greats. Jon Wysocki was not just a remarkable friend and drummer, but a remarkable human being. It was a privilege to have him in SOiL during the time we did. We shared countless laughs and memorable moments. Your absence will be deeply felt. Until we reunite, dear friend….” Jon Wysocki
