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Drummer Jon Wysocki, founding member of rock band Staind, dies at age 53 – KIRO 7 News Seattle

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Drummer Jon Wysocki, a founding member of the rock band Staind who played on the group’s biggest hits, including their 2001 Top 5 hit “It’s Been Awhile,” died Saturday. He was 53.

Wysocki’s death was announced in an Instagram post by his current band Lydia’s Castle. A cause of death was not given.

“On May 18, 2024 at 8:02 p.m. @jonwysocki4 passed away surrounded by his family and friends who loved him very much,” the band wrote.

Born on January 17, 1971, in Westfield, Massachusetts, Wysocki formed Staind in Springfield with singer-guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok and bassist Johnny April, Billboard reported.

According to Variety, Wysocki played on seven of the band’s albums through 2011.

The band released their first album, Tormented, in 1997, followed by 1999’s Dysfunction, which contained the singles “Mudshovel” and “Home.”

Their third studio album, 2001’s Break the Cycle, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart and featured the group’s signature single, “It’s Been Awhile.” According to Billboard, the single spent 46 weeks on the Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 5 on October 20, 2001.

Wysocki left the group after their self-titled seventh album in 2011, reportedly due to friction with Lewis, Variety reported.

On Sunday, Staind released a statement about Wysocki’s death in an Instagram post.

“We first met Jon in 1994 through mutual friends. In 1995 we got together with Mike, Aaron and Johnny April and formed Staind,” the post reads. “The following 17 years were some of the best memories of our time together,” the statement said. “From practicing in Ludlow, Mass to touring around the world, Jon has been an integral part of our band. Our condolences go out to Jon’s family and the fans around the world who loved him.”

Lewis also paid tribute to Wysocki in an Instagram post on Sunday.

“I’m so sad. I lost my friend. A friend that I loved like a brother… that I fought with like a brother… that I cared for like a brother… that I cared for like a brother… that I cried like a brother… because he was my brother in arms. Without him, my journey would have been different,” Lewis wrote. “The battles we fought together Fought alone with our own demons The battles we won and the battles we lost.

“He was my friend. He was our brother. My heart is broken. My world has changed.”

After leaving Staind, Wysocki briefly joined Chicago hard rock group Soil, but did not record with them, Billboard reported.

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