Staind were first formed in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1995 and their line-up remained intact 16 years later. Vocalist Aaron Lewis and guitarist Mike Mushok met at a Christmas party in 1993. Mushok introduced Lewis to Jon Wysocki who would later become their drummer. Lewis in return made a connection to bass player Johnny April. As a young band, they covered songs by Korn, Rage Against the Machine and others, performing them in small clubs.