Staind

Staind
Staind live at the LEC in Laredo, Texas, U.S.
Background information
Origin	Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Genres	Alternative metal post-grunge alternative rock nu metal hard rock heavy metal
Years active	1995–2012, 2014
Labels	Flip Elektra Atlantic Roadrunner
Website	staind.com
Past members	Aaron Lewis Mike Mushok Johnny April Jon Wysocki Sal Giancarelli

Staind (/ˈsteɪnd/ STAYND) is an American alternative metal band, formed in 1995 in Springfield, Massachusetts. The original lineup consisted of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Aaron Lewis, lead guitarist Mike Mushok, bassist and backing vocalist Johnny April, and drummer Jon Wysocki (who left in May 2011). To date, the band has recorded seven studio albums: Tormented (1996), Dysfunction (1999), Break the Cycle (2001), 14 Shades of Grey (2003), Chapter V (2005), The Illusion of Progress (2008), and their self-titled album (2011). The band has had five chart-topping singles and sold over 15 million records worldwide.

After finishing touring in support of their self-titled album, the band went on hiatus. They reconvened to play several shows in 2014. As of 2017, the band is currently on a second extended hiatus.

Staind formed in Springfield, Massachusetts. The band met through friends and started covering Korn, Rage Against the Machine, Pearl Jam, Tool, and Alice in Chains, among others, and played at local clubs (most commonly playing at Club Infinity) for a year and a half. Staind self-released their debut album, Tormented, in November 1996, citing influences Pantera and Machine Head. During this time, Staind acquired a concert slot through Aaron's cousin Justin Cantor with Limp Bizkit. Just prior to the performance, Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst was appalled by Staind's grotesque album cover and unsuccessfully attempted to remove them from the bill. His perception changed, however, after being impressed with their performance.