Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny dead at 59

Wayne Swinny, guitarist and founding member of nu-metal veterans Saliva, has died at the age of 59, after suffering a spontaneous brain hemorrhage while on tour with the band. The news was confirmed in a statement released by the group on social media. Swinny’s passing comes one day after he was admitted to an intensive care unit.

The statement reads: “It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our brother Wayne Swinny. Wayne passed away this afternoon from a spontaneous brain hemorrhage while we were out on tour. Details for the funeral arrangements will be announced shortly. Wayne will be missed by all those who knew him. We love you, Wayne.“

“I’m not even sure what to think or how to feel right now,” wrote frontman Bobby Amaru. “My heart aches for Wayne’s family, his friends, and anyone who had the joy of being around him. My heart aches for his daughter Nikki. He loved that little girl so much.

He was a guitar hero onstage with all the rock‘n’roll swag that most guitar players dream of. Offstage he was a proud father, an Ancient Aliens expert, and an incredible human who had zero enemies! He would go out of his way to make sure you had a good time. I’m grateful that I got to share almost 12 years of my life with Wayne on the stage and most importantly off the stage.”, he added.

Swinny formed Saliva in the late ‘90s with singer Josey Scott, guitarist Chris Dabaldo, bassist Dave Novotny and drummer Paul Crosby. The band released its self-titled debut album in 1997, followed by its major-label debut “Every Six Seconds” in March 2001.