Wayne Swinny, co-founder and guitarist of the hard rock band Saliva, passed away at the age of 59 due to a spontaneous brain hemorrhage while on tour with the group. The band confirmed the news on their official Facebook page on March 22, expressing their sadness and extending condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
The news of Swinny’s hospitalization was first reported by the band in an earlier Facebook post, stating that he was discovered in medical distress and was taken to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a spontaneous hemorrhage in his brain. He was in the ICU as they awaited further news. However, Swinny passed away shortly after.Swinny’s hospitalization was first reported by the band earlier on the same day, when they revealed that he had been discovered in medical distress and had been taken to the hospital. He was later diagnosed with a spontaneous hemorrhage in his brain and was being treated in the ICU.
Swinny, along with singer Josey Scott, bassist Dave Novotny, drummer Todd Poole, and guitarist Chris D’Abaldo, founded Saliva in Memphis in 1996. The band gained popularity with their Island Records debut, Every Six Seconds, which was released in 2001 and featured hit songs such as “Click Click Boom” and “Your Disease.” Their subsequent albums, Back Into Your System and Survival of the Sickest, were also successful.Saliva was formed in Memphis in 1996 by Swinny, along with singer Josey Scott, bassist Dave Novotny, drummer Todd Poole, and guitarist Chris D’Abaldo. The band’s Island Records debut, Every Six Seconds, was released in 2001 and featured the hit singles “Click Click Boom” and “Your Disease.” The album went on to achieve platinum status in the United States, thanks in part to its catchy, hard-hitting rock sound and the band’s electrifying live performances.
After Scott left the group in 2011, he was replaced by Bobby Amaru, and the band released their most recent album, 10 Lives, in 2018. Swinny was the only remaining original member of the group and was highly regarded by his bandmates and fans alike.Saliva followed up their debut album with Back Into Your System in 2002 and Survival of the Sickest in 2004. Both albums were also successful, with the former featuring the hit single “Always” and the latter featuring the popular track “Rest In Pieces.”
Following the news of Swinny’s passing, Amaru released a statement expressing his shock and grief. He referred to Swinny as the older brother he never had and shared that he had learned a lot from him during their time together on stage and off stage. Amaru also expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity to share almost 12 years of his life with Swinny and stated that he would cherish those memories forever.Over the years, Saliva underwent a number of lineup changes, with Scott leaving the band in 2011 and being replaced by Bobby Amaru as the lead singer. Despite the changes, the band continued to tour and release new music, with their most recent album, 10 Lives, coming out in 2018.
Swinny was a talented musician who contributed greatly to the success of Saliva. His guitar playing skills were an integral part of the band’s sound, and his presence will be sorely missed. He was known for his energy and passion on stage and for going out of his way to ensure that his fans had a good time. He was also a loving father to his daughter Nikki and will be deeply missed by his family.
Swinny was the only remaining original member of the band, and his passing comes as a devastating blow to his fellow bandmates and fans alike. In a statement to TMZ, Amaru spoke fondly of his time with Swinny and expressed his grief at the loss of his “brother” and friend