Jon Wysocki co-founded Staind in 1995 with Mike Mushok, Aaron Lewis, and Johnny April - soon releasing their independent label album ‘Tormented’in 1996. All 4000 original copies of the CD sold out. Soon afterwards, Staind caught the attention of Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst…Resulting in their 1999 Elektra/Flip Records debut Dysfunction’ which quickly went Platinum, and the rest they say is ‘history’. Staind achieved international notoriety virtually overnight, easily making them the hottest band ever to come out of Springfield, Massachusetts.

Jon Wysocki played on Staind’s first seven albums, which included the hits - ‘It’s Been Awhile’, ‘Outside’, ‘So Far Away’, ‘Right Here’, ‘Believe’, ‘Fade’, ‘For You’, and ‘Not Again’, among their numerous Platinum and Gold records. In total, Staind has released eight studio albums, three live albums, one compilation album, two video albums, 25 singles, and 18 music videos. In 2001, their third studio LP, “Break the Cycle,” debuted at Number 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. Jon departed Staind in 2011 after their self-titled seventh album.

I first remember hearing Staind in the mid-1990’s when they were playing the local night club circuit. Sadly, most every room they ever played no longer exists. In Boston, Massachusetts they rocked out at ‘The Rat’, ‘Mama Kin’, and ‘The Middle East’. In Western, Massachusetts you could see them at ‘Geraldine’s’, ‘The Infinity’, ‘Pearl Street’, ‘Solution’, and ‘Mikara’s’. In Hartford, Connecticut one could catch them at ‘The Russian Lady’, or ‘Mad Murphy’s’. Around the same time period, Aaron Lewis had a regular acoustic gig with Chris Ballini at ‘Breakers’ in West Springfield, Massachusetts - where you might hear him singing ‘Bong Hits For Breakfast’.

“We first met Jon through mutual friends in 1994. We came together with Mike, Aaron, and Johnny April in 1995 and founded Staind. The 17 years that followed were some of the best memories of our times together. From practice in Ludlow, Massachusetts to touring around the world, Jon was integral to who we were as a band. Our hearts go out to Jon’s family, and fans around the world who loved him”.

-- Staind

Jon Wysocki Online Tributes

“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”

-- SOiL

“Pearl Drums recognizes the passing of drummer Jon Wysocki. He was a hardware artist during his time with Staind and we send our condolences to his family and friends worldwide.”

“RIP Jon, thank you for all of your beautiful music and talent. You will be missed.”

-- sadisticembrace623

“Thoughts and prayers to you all during this tough time… Rest easy and drum away in heaven Jon”.

Parables77

“One of the greatest drummers hands down. May the Lord comfort his family and loved ones in this time of mourning.”

-- Vinnysavoia12

“Jon’s drumming was a massive inspiration to my own drumming growing up. This one cuts deep. Much love to Jon, his family, and the Staind family. RIP Jon and thank you.”

-- T1013

“RIP Jon - You were one of the people I always looked up to when I played drums and I thank you for that.”

sensisoul

“This is a hard one.. RIP Jon Wysocki. You really had a major impact on me with drumming in my formative years.Your unique style always captivated me. My thoughts go out to your family & friends”.

-- BrandonHurles5

“Been a Staind fan since day one. My heart goes out to Jon’s family… Amazing drummer -- Healing vibes to Staind for their loss of a friend for so many years. Rest easy Jon.”

-- shellyleatherman

“He helped the course of many lives. A legend never forgotten. May the music play on for eternity… Sending love to his family, friends, and fans.”

-- 6d

Memorial Show for Jon Wysocki (Staind) June 18th in Nashville, TN

Dear Staind fans, There will be a very special memorial show for my brother, Jon Wysocki June 18th at Vinyl Lounge in Nashville, TN. We will be celebrating his life and legacy with a curated set of performances throughout his Career with Save The World, Staind, Soil, and Lydia’s Castle by Nashville’s best musicians who were fortunate to call Jon “Friend.” We will also have heartfelt speeches about the impact he had on those closest to him. He wasn’t just a friend, he wasn’t just a band mate.. He was my brother and I will cherish that bond for the rest of my days. The privilege I’ve had to learn so much from such a force of a human and the soul behind a band I loved growing up cannot be understated. Please come show your love and support

$10 at the door. All proceeds go to Nashville Dog Rescue.

“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. 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. 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 fucking sad. He will be missed.”

-- Aaron Lewis