Founding Staind Drummer Jon Wysocki Passes Away At 53

Frontman Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April and drummer Jon Wysocki formed Staind in 1995. Wysocki remained with the group until 2011 and also went on to play with Soil and Lydia’s Castle. Sadly, the drummer passed away earlier this weekend at the age of 53.

“Today we lost one of the greats,” wrote Soil in an online post. “Jon Wysocki was not only a great friend, a great drummer, but a great human being. It was an honor to have him in Spil 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….”

Wysocki was reportedly having issues with his liver. “On 5/18/2024 at 8:02pm, Jon Wysocki passed away surrounded by family and friends that loved him dearly. An official statement will be developed shortly,” wrote Lydia’s Castle.

Wysocki’s was let go from Staind in 2011, and Mushok previously spoke about the split. “Seventeen years being a band together, we went to make the record, and it was tough; things weren’t really going the way we wanted themto. We tried to work through it, and I think it just got to the point where we realized that we weren’t able to, and it was time to make a change.”

Wysocki told Modern Drummer in 2007 that the idea of fame wasn’t something he ever got comfortable with. “Favorite part of touring? That’s easy playing the live show,” he said. “The worst part for me is when fans come up to me, sometimes I feel uncomfortable with their excitement at meeting me. People view you a certain way, but we’re just like anybody else who happens to be in a position that people think is glamorous. I don’t feel any different from anyone else, it’s just that I make my living playing the drums. People say certain things and I freeze up, I don’t know what to say back. If it’s a compliment, I say thanks, but when it’s that gawking, worshiping type of thing, it just makes me uncomfortable. But don’t get me wrong I love and appreciate our fans.”