Staind

Biography

Staind is an American rock band formed in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1995. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki. The band's musical style has been described as alternative metal, post-grunge, hard rock, and nu-metal.

Early Years and Breakthrough

In 1993, vocalist Aaron Lewis and guitarist Mike Mushok met at a Christmas party. They formed the band in 1995, and after extensive touring in the Northeast, they self-released their debut album, "Tormented," in 1996. A key moment in the band's early career was a show in Hartford, Connecticut, where they opened for Limp Bizkit. Initially unimpressed by their album's cover art, Limp Bizkit's frontman Fred Durst was blown away by their live performance and helped them sign a record deal with Flip Records.

Staind's major-label debut, "Dysfunction," was released in 1999 and was co-produced by Fred Durst. The album achieved moderate success and featured the single "Mudshovel," a re-recorded track from their debut. However, it was their third album, "Break the Cycle," released in 2001, that propelled them into the mainstream. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and featured the hit single "It's Been Awhile," which became one of the most played songs in modern rock radio history. Other successful singles from the album included "Fade," "Outside," "For You," and "Epiphany."

Subsequent Success and Hiatus

Following the massive success of "Break the Cycle," Staind released several more albums that performed well. "14 Shades of Grey" (2003) and "Chapter V" (2005) both debuted at number 1 on the Billboard 200. The band continued to release albums, including "The Illusion of Progress" (2008) and their self-titled album "Staind" (2011). In 2011, original drummer Jon Wysocki left the band and was replaced by Sal Giancarelli. After the release of their self-titled album, the band went on hiatus in 2012, with Aaron Lewis pursuing a solo country career.

Reunion and Recent Activity

After a five-year hiatus, Staind reunited in 2019 for several festival performances. In 2021, they released a live album titled "Live: It's Been Awhile," recorded at a comeback show in 2019. The band's first studio album in twelve years, "Confessions of the Fallen," was released in September 2023 and reached #1 on Billboard's Active Rock Album chart. The singles "Lowest In Me" and "Here and Now" both topped the Active Rock Chart.

Band Members

Current Members

• Aaron Lewis – lead vocals, rhythm guitar (1995–2012, 2014, 2017, 2019–present)
• Mike Mushok – lead guitar (1995–2012, 2014, 2017, 2019–present)
• Johnny April – bass, backing vocals (1995–2012, 2014, 2017, 2019–present)
• Sal Giancarelli – drums (2011–2012, 2014, 2017, 2019–present)

Former Members

• Jon Wysocki – drums (1995–2011)

Discography

Studio Albums

• Tormented (1996)
• Dysfunction (1999)
• Break the Cycle (2001)
• 14 Shades of Grey (2003)
• Chapter V (2005)
• The Illusion of Progress (2008)
• Staind (2011)
• Confessions of the Fallen (2023)