Staind fans wonder what the future holds for the multi-platinum hard rockers from Springfield.
Staind, shown here in an AP file photo:Guitarist Mike Mushok, left, drummer Jon Wysocki, background, singer Aaron Lewis and bassist Johnny April.SPRINGFIELD – Drummer Jon Wysocki has left Staind, leaving fans to wonder what the future holds for the most successful rock‘n’roll band to come out of Western Massachusetts.
Wysocki, singer Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, and bassist Johnny April formed Staind in 1995, playing local clubs like Mikara's before achieving national success. They have released six albums and sold 15 million records worldwide.
On Staind’s website, there was a brief statement from Wysocki’s three former band mates: "Staind has parted ways with drummer Jon Wysocki. We wish him the best, and thank him for all the years he dedicated to Staind. Drummer Will Hunt will join us on our upcoming dates.”
There was no further explanation from Staind’s camp, their recording label or the band's Los Angeles-based publicity agency.
Hunt - Wysocki's fill-in on at least three Staind live shows scheduled for this month - has played with Evanescence, Black Label Society and Tommy Lee.
Lewis recently released a successful country solo CD, “Town Line,” but he told The Republican earlier this year Staind was working on a new disc with a far heavier sound.
It’s uncertain whether Wysocki will be heard on that disc, scheduled for release in the fall. The upcoming album would fulfill Staind’s contractual obligation to Atlantic Records.
Fans of the hard rocking act were surprised and upset by word of Wysocki’s exit.
On the official website, repeated questions from fans about his sudden departure went unanswered. A fan-run website, addictedtostaind.com, has fielded comments from Staind devotees. Some worried Wysocki’s departure meant the eventual dissolution of Staind, while others mourned it as the loss of a beloved family member.
In a 2007 interview with Modern Drummer, Wysocki spoke of his fondness for performing, but admitted he was uncomfortable with some aspects of fame.
"People view you a certain way, but we’re just like anybody else who happens to be in a position that people think is glamorous. I don’t feel any different from anyone else, it’s just that I make my living playing the drums,” Wysocki said. “People say certain things and I freeze up, I don’t know what to say back. If it’s a compliment, I say thanks, but when it’s that gawking, worshiping type of thing, it just makes me uncomfortable. But don’t get me wrong – I love and appreciate our fans!"