STAIND frontman Aaron Lewis has expressed his sorrow over the passing of the band’s original drummer, Jon Wysocki, who died on Saturday, May 18, at the age of 53.
On Sunday, Lewis took to his X account to express his grief for his longtime friend and former bandmate.
“I’m so sad,” Lewis wrote. “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.”
Thinking back on their time together, Lewis 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.”
“I’ll see you on the other side my friend,” he continued. “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.”
STAIND also released a separate statement, highlighting Jon Wysocki’s impact and the good times they shared during his 17 years with the chart-topping band.
“We first met Jon through mutual friends in 1994,” the band wrote in their statement. “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.”
Wysocki co-founded the rock band STAIND in 1995 and stayed with it until 2011, according to Blabbermouth. During Wysocki’s time in the band, STAIND achieved significant success, with three consecutive No. 1 albums: 2001’s Break the Cycle, 2003’s 14 Shades of Grey, and 2005’s Chapter V. He was also part of the band at the height of its fame, when hit songs like “It’s Been Awhile,” “So Far Away,” and “Right Here” dominated the charts.
After his departure from Staind, he continued to perform with the group Lydia’s Castle until his passing. His bandmates in Lydia’s Castle confirmed his death on social media.
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While the cause of death wasn’t disclosed, it’s been reported that Wysocki had been dealing with liver problems.