‘We lost a legend’: Internet mourns as Staind’s original drummer Jon Wysocki dies at 53

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: The music community is mourning the death of Jon Wysocki, 53, the original drummer of Staind.

Jon Wysocki who was born on January 17, 1971, died on Saturday, May 18. As soon as the announcement was made by his current band, Lydia’s Castle, on Instagram, condolence messages started pouring in across social media platforms.

As reported by DailyMail, a statement from Wysocki's Lyndia's Castle bandmates conveyed, “On 5/18/2024 at 8.02 pm, @jonwysocki4 passed away surrounded by family and friends that loved him dearly. An official statement will be developed shortly.”

Who was Jon Wysocki?

Jon Wysocki gained prominence as one of the founding members of Staind alongside singer Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist Johnny April in 1995. 

After being a crucial member of the group for close to 20 years, Jon left in 2011 under circumstances suggesting he was let go during the band's recording of their seventh studio album.

In a 2007 interview with Modern Drummer, Wysocki expressed his love for recording and performing, as per DailyMail.

Wysocki also reflected on his introduction to music, “I kind of turned myself on to it. But I'd have to say my mom's side of the family probably had a big influence. I listened to a lot of early-'70s R&B and Top 40 music. And then I started getting into rock with THE BEATLES, KISS, LED ZEPPELIN… and then in the '80s I got into VAN HALEN, WHITESNAKE, and all the '80s stuff. But I also liked all those Shrapnel [Records] guys, because they always had some badass drummer like Deen Castronovo or someone like that."

 When asked about the drummers who initially caught his attention, Jon recalled, "It was the late '70s, early '80s, so I'd have to say it was Alex Van Halen and John Bonham. I remember seeing Steve Smith when he was with JOURNEY. He was playing Top 40 JOURNEY songs, and then all of a sudden he does a drum solo and I'm going, 'Oh my god…' He was doing this ridiculous odd-time solo. And Tommy Aldridge is an awesome rock drummer — a lot of flash, but solid."

How did Jon Wysocki die?

As of May 20, there is no listed cause for Wysocki's death. However, it's worth noting that the drummer was reportedly experiencing liver-related issues recently.

Jon Wysocki’s best hits and achievements

Jon Wysocki lent his drumming skills to Staind's initial seven albums, which featured popular tracks such as 'Break The Cycle' (2001), '14 Shades of Grey' (2003), and 'Chapter V'.

While Jon was with Staind, the band achieved chart-topping success in the US Rock singles chart with hits like 'It's Been Awhile', 'So Far Away', and Right Here'.

Jon Wysocki’s loved ones mourn his loss

Jon Wysocki's previous bandmates in SOIL mourned Wysocki's death, as Blabbermouth reported.

They stated, "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…"

Singer Aaron Lewis fondly remembered Wysocki, posting a statement across three tweets on Sunday, May 19.

“I’m so sad. I lost my friend. A friend I loved like a brother… fought with like a brother… cared for like a brother… worried about like a brother… cried over like a brother… because he was my brother in arms.My journey would’ve been different without him.”. 

He added, “The battles we fought together. The battles we fought against each other. The battles we fought side by side 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."

Lewis concluded, "I’ll see you on the other side my friend. My brother. Godspeed. My heart, my love, and my condolences go out to his family and loved ones. I’m so f**king sad. He will be missed."

Internet mourns Jon Wysocki’s death

Following the news of the death of Jon Wysocki, the founding drummer of Staind, may social media users took to Facebook to condole.

One said, "I remember watching a documentary of staind recording the final album with him. He and Aaron did not get along at all so he decided just to leave during the recording process . He never went back.. rip."

The second wrote, "This band wrote the soundtrack to an entire decade of my life in one single song. RIP Jon."

The third mourned, "He’s the reason I started drumming in high school, he was my favorite."

Another fan said, "He’s not 53. He’s 56. We celebrated his 50th bday in January of 2018. Jesus. He’s at peace now."

A fan on X (formerly Twitter), wrote, "We lost a legend…*sigh* rip Jon Wysocki #JonWysocki #rip."

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