John J. Smolak, Jr.

John “Big John” Smolak, drummer for local hard rock band Go Play God for the past 15 years, passed away peacefully from heart disease on December 16, 2025, at UW Hospital surrounded by family.

John was born October 29, 1968, to John Smolak, Sr. and Evelyn Holmes (Gray) in Minneapolis, Minn., and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Keith Gray, in Poynette, WI. He graduated in 1987 from Poynette High School and went on to play semi-pro football with the Racine Raiders. He had a long career in auto service sales, working the last several years at Roland Machinery in DeForest, Wis., in heavy equipment sales and service.

On stage, behind the drums, is where John most loved to be. He had a long history in the local Madison music scene in bands Shiva, Diesel God, Driver, Livid and Go Play God. He brought a tireless energy and powerful sound in each and every performance, whether it be recording in the studio or live on stage.

Though music is what he loved most, who he loved most was his son, Stone Landphier Smolak. They enjoyed going to rock concerts, all things football and their many road trips together.

John is survived by his son Stone Landphier Smolak; his band brothers, Vaughn ”Chizz” Klein, Jim “Hollywood” Finley and Jason “Ziggy” Ziegler; and his former wife/friend, Suzy Landphier. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepfather; brother, Joseph “Curly” Smolak; sister, Terry Smolak; band brothers Kurt Taliaferro and Seth Van Wie; and Livid band manager Tom Layton.

Your beats will be with us forever and may your drums be heard across all the heavens.

A celebration of life, tribute concert and private family burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to Stone for final expenses, or John requested your donations be directed to:
https://give.wiscmedicine.org/give/393214/#!/donation/checkout
https://www.heart.org
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/limbsforlifefoundation

All Faiths Funeral & Cremation services of Madison is assisting the family. Online condolences can be shared at www.866allfaiths.com.