Jon Wysocki, one of the original members of Staind and later the drummer for nu-metal band Soil, has passed away at 53. His bandmates in Lydia’s Castle confirmed his death on May 18. The cause of Wysocki’s death is unknown, but Blabbermouth reports that his passing was related to liver issues.
Lydia’s Castle wrote on their Instagram:
“On 5/18/2024 at 8:02pm, Jon Wysocki passed away surrounded by family and friends that loved him dearly. An official statement will be developed shortly.”
Aaron Lewis’ Statement
Staind’s frontman Aaron Lewis took to social media and paid tributes to his longtime bandmate and friend. He said of him that he was like a brother to him:
“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 f*cking sad. He will be missed.”
Staind Wanted A Change
Wysocki founded the band back in 1995 along with singer Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist Johnny April. He stayed with the band until 2011 when he was fired during the production of their self-titled seventh studio album.
Shortly after, Mushok discussed Wysocki’s unexpected departure in an interview with Fuse TV. He said:
“Seventeen years being a band together, we went to make the record, and it was tough; things weren’t really going the way we wanted [them] to. We tried to work through it, and I think it just got to the point where we realized that we weren’t able to, and it was time to make a change.”
You can see Lewis’ statement below.
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.
— Aaron Lewis (@Aaronlewismusic) May 19, 2024