Breaking news hit the rock scene hard today as Jon Wysocki, the legendary drummer and founding member of Staind, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 53. Lydia’s Castle, Wysocki’s current band, broke the tragic news on Instagram, plunging fans into mourning.
“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,” the post announced, marking a somber moment in the music world.
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Staind, where Wysocki found fame and influenced millions, also shared their heartache online.
“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, Mass 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,” their statement read, reflecting on the deep connections formed over decades.
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While no specific cause of death has been officially released, sources like TMZ suggest Wysocki had been battling liver-related health issues that demanded medical intervention. Known for his dynamic drumming, Wysocki was a pivotal figure in Staind from its inception in 1995 until he stepped away in 2011.
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Under his rhythm, Staind soared to great heights with albums like ‘Break the Cycle,’ which became a defining sound of the early 2000s with hits like “It’s Been Awhile” and “Outside.” The album not only achieved multi-platinum status but also cemented Staind’s place in the rock pantheon.
Staind’s music, known for its raw exploration of pain and heartbreak, resonated deeply with fans, thanks to albums such as ’14 Shades of Grey,’ ‘Chapter V,’ and ‘The Illusion of Progress.’ Each release met with varying degrees of success, continually showcasing the band’s evolution and the emotional depth of their songs.
In a profoundly personal statement, Staind’s lead singer, Adam Lewis, lamented Wysocki’s passing: “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.”
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“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 f*cking sad. He will be missed.”
As the music community and fans around the globe reel from this shocking loss, the legacy of Jon Wysocki’s beats and the soul-stirring music he helped create will undoubtedly live on, echoing through the hearts of those he touched.