Staind

Staind

Hard-working Springfield, MA, based post-grunge act Staind served as a bulwark against the rising tide of teen pop/boy band groups that crashed the album charts as the 20th century drew to a close. Formed in 1995 by frontman Aaron Lewis, guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist Johnny April and drummer Jon Wysocki, Staind’s hard rock/nu-metal sound and stark, confessional lyrics resonated with millions of rock fans; their biggest-selling album, 2001’s Break the Cycle went septuple-platinum, and two of that record’s tracks, “Outside” and “It’s Been Awhile”, are firmly ensconced in modern rock radio station playlists to this day. The band’s seven albums have sold nearly 15 million copies, making them one of the most successful hard rock acts of the past two decades.

Wysocki left the group in 2011, and with the band currently on temporary hiatus, the ever-versatile vocalist Lewis released a country album in 2012, The Road. He remains active in the Springfield area as well, recently starting a charity, It Takes A Community, to help revive rural communities throughout greater New England. Mushok has kept busy during the hiatus as well, joining former Metallica bassist Jason Newsted in his latest band.  

(By Stephen Haag)

Published On: May 18, 2013

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