Joey Jonas, the drummer for Milwaukee’s Bad Year, passed away on August 2, 2023. He leaves behind a legacy of great musicianship and a life dedicated to helping others in need.
Punkerton Records, LLC and Bad Year released this statement about Joey Jonas:
“It is with profound sadness that Bad Year and Punkerton Records announce the passing of Joey Jonas, a remarkably talented drummer and an essential part of the Punkerton Records family.
Joey left an indelible mark on the music world and will forever be cherished in the hearts of all who knew him. Joey was known for his passion, dedication, infectious energy and unwavering commitment to his craft. We are devastated by his loss, and he will forever remain an essential part of Bad Year’s and Punkerton Records’s legacy.
Joey was a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in public health. Beyond his musical achievements, Joey was also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, harm reduction, and addiction treatment. His dedication to making a positive impact on society extended far beyond the stage, and he tirelessly worked to support those in need. He truly made a positive impact on people’s lives.
Bad Year and Punkerton Records extend our deepest condolences to Joey Jonas’s mother, his sister, his nephews and his friends during this difficult time. Our hearts go out to them, and we stand in solidarity with them as they navigate this profound loss.”
Joey Jonas was born on June 28, 1989 in Milwaukee, WI. He listed his work, on Facebook, as a Peer Specialist at Community Medical Services, in Milwaukee. He was scheduled to be in Chicago part of this weekend to work with Punk Rock Saves Lives at Lollapalooza. Jonas was open about his own struggles with sobriety. On Facebook he shared his graduation photo alongside a photo of his 5 year recovery coin in a post in which he wrote,
“For anyone out there who is still suffering, please don’t give up. Here’s to five years and one more day in this tragic beautiful journey.
I know the power of sharing a story. I know the difference it can make. Five years ago, I had no idea when I began that I would find my greatest strength in my struggle; that I could make a difference and through the pain and suffering I endured; that it was going to be okay.“
Jonas was to have been working with Punk Rock Saves Lives in Chicago for Lollapalooza on Thursday and Sunday (the band was scheduled to play another fest on Saturday).
Tina Rushing, Director of Operations at Punk Rock Saves Lives, spoke to me about Jonas:
“All in all he was a light in this world, he was in recovery, he really supported our recovery program and was going to get more in more involved and we were planning to put him on our Board of Directors next year.
Last month he brought a huge bag of Narcan, fentanyl test strips and alcohol wipes without asking. The band was playing our Punk Rock Saves Lives festival (in Denver).”
Rushing also shared her thoughts on Jonas as a musician,
“Omg he was a fantastic drummer, his energy was out of this world. Absolutely great to work with. I recommend people check out the videos of him.”
But Rushing emphasized how much he was about helping others who shared his struggles.
“From the moment he heard about Punk Rock Saves Lives he jumped all in, the whole band but especially Joey, because that was up his alley.
We are heartbroken and are dedicating this weekend and hope to save some lives this weekend in his honor.”
Bad Year, which signed with Punkerton in July of 2022, has had a jam-packed year with quite a few more shows still scheduled. This includes a brief upcoming Midwest run. The band played the July 23, 2023 Punk Rock Saves Lives Fest in Denver CO, as Tina Rushing noted above. The band was also scheduled to perform at the upcoming Rock for Recovery in its hometown on August 12, 2023.
As of this date there is no further info as the whether the band will continue with another drummer or if the shows will still be played.
No cause of death was released. We at Dying Scene extend our deepest condolences to all those who loved Joey Jonas, and to all those he loved.
