Jon Wysocki, the original drummer and a founding member of the iconic rock band Staind, has died at the age of 53. The news of his passing was shared on Saturday, May 18th, by Lydia’s Castle, his band, through a heartfelt social media announcement. The post conveyed the sorrowful message that Jon Wysocki died at 8:02 pm on May 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family and friends.
Details surrounding Jon Wysocki’s cause of death were not immediately disclosed to the public. However, prior reports indicated that Wysocki had been facing complications related to his liver. Just before his death, Shawna Hornbeck, a member of Lydia’s Castle, had updated fans via a Facebook post, mentioning that Jon Wysocki was in the ICU receiving medical attention for liver issues. At that time, while acknowledging his struggles, she also noted encouraging signs of slow recovery.
Staind, the band that catapulted Jon Wysocki to fame, also released an official statement expressing their grief. In their social media tribute, Staind reminisced about their first encounter with Jon Wysocki in 1994 through mutual acquaintances, leading to the formation of the band in 1995 alongside Mike Mushok, Aaron Lewis, and Johnny April. Staind fondly recalled the subsequent 17 years as some of their most cherished memories, emphasizing Jon Wysocki’s crucial role in shaping the band’s identity. From their early days practicing in Ludlow, Massachusetts, to touring globally, Jon Wysocki was an undeniable force. Staind extended their condolences to Jon Wysocki’s family and the global community of fans mourning his loss.
Born on January 17, 1971, in Westfield, Massachusetts, Jon Wysocki’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the grunge and alternative rock scene of the late 90s and early 2000s. He co-founded Staind with lead vocalist Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist Johnny April in 1995, marking the beginning of a significant chapter in rock music history. Jon Wysocki remained the driving force behind the drums for Staind from their inception until 2011. During his tenure, he contributed to seven Staind albums, including the monumental “Break the Cycle” released in 2001. “Break the Cycle” achieved phenomenal success, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying Staind’s place in mainstream music and showcasing Jon Wysocki’s powerful drumming. His departure from Staind in 2011 reportedly stemmed from creative differences with Aaron Lewis, marking the end of an era for the band’s original lineup.
Aaron Lewis, Staind’s frontman, shared a deeply personal and moving tribute to Jon Wysocki on X (formerly Twitter). Lewis expressed profound sadness at the loss of his friend, using poignant words to describe their bond as akin to brotherhood. He wrote about loving, fighting with, caring for, worrying about, and crying over Jon Wysocki like a brother, emphasizing the depth of their relationship. Aaron Lewis reflected on how Jon Wysocki had shaped his life’s journey, acknowledging the battles they faced together and separately. He mourned the changed world and broken heart left by Jon Wysocki’s passing, concluding with a heartfelt farewell and condolences to Jon Wysocki’s family and loved ones. Aaron Lewis’s tribute encapsulated the profound personal and musical connection he shared with Jon Wysocki, highlighting the significant loss felt by those who knew him and his music.
