Founding drummer of Massachusetts-based post-grunge, nü-metal band Staind, Jon Wysocki, sadly died on Saturday, May 18 at 53 years old. According to Blabbermouth.net, Wysocki had been struggling with liver issues and had been seeking treatment for it for some time. We extend our deepest condolences to Wysocki’s friends, family, fans, and former bandmates.
According to Staind’s official website, the band was formed in 1993 when vocalist Aaron Lewis met guitarist Mike Mushok at a Christmas party, and it was Mushok who brought Wysocki into the band. Wysocki was with the band until he departed around the time of their 2011 self-titled album. Staind has only put out one album since then, 2023’s Confessions of the Fallen, so Wysocki appeared on seven of the band’s eight albums. According to a 2011 article for Loudwire, Wysocki left Staind due the tense atmosphere within the band when recording the self-titled album. According to another Loudwire article, Aaron Lewis extended an invitation for Wysocki to rejoin the band. Wysocki then briefly joined Chicago band SOiL. Most recently, Wysocki joined Nashville, Tennessee-based metal-meets-riot-grrrl band Lydia’s Castle in 2021, according to that band’s biography.
Lydia’s Castle was the first band to report about Wysocki’s death on Saturday, posting on Instagram:
“On 5/18/2024 at 8:02pm, @jonwysocki4 passed away surrounded by family and friends that loved him dearly. An official statement will be developed shortly.”
SOiL also released a statement on Instagram, saying:
“Today we lost one of the greats. 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…..
“Tim, Adam, Ryan”
At the time of this writing, Staind has yet to release a statement about Wysocki’s passing, but the news broke less than 12 hours ago so it’s possible they haven’t had time to compose anything or even gather their thoughts. Whatever tensions existed between Wysocki and the rest of Staind, they will almost certainly be grieving this loss.