We have sad news to report as Saliva guitarist Wayne Swinny has died at the age of 59. The news was confirmed by the band, with singer Bobby Amaru issuing a statement. Earlier today (March 22), it was revealed that Swinny had been taken to the ICU after suffering a brain hemorrhage on Tuesday morning (March 21). The band had been out on tour in support of their recent single, “High on Me.”
“I’m not even sure what to think or how to feel right now. My heart aches for Wayne’s family, his friends, and anyone who had the joy of being around him,” revealed the singer. “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,” continued the vocalist. “He was the older brother I never had. I learned so much from him and we had a fucking blast together! I will cherish it all for the rest of my life! God Bless you Wayne. I know we’ll meet again!!”
Swinny had been a part of Saliva for over 20 years, joining the band in 1998 and playing on their most successful albums, including “Every Six Seconds” and “Back into Your System.”
Born on August 20, 1974, in Memphis, Tennessee, Swinny began playing guitar at a young age and was heavily influenced by the blues and rock music of the 1970s and 1980s. He moved to Jacksonville, Florida, in the early 1990s and joined Saliva after responding to an ad the band had placed for a lead guitarist.
Swinny’s contributions to Saliva’s music were significant, with his intricate guitar work and creative solos helping to define the band’s sound. He also played a key role in the songwriting process, co-writing many of the band’s most popular songs.
Saliva’s debut album, “Every Six Seconds,” was released in 2001 and went on to achieve platinum status, thanks in part to the success of the hit single “Your Disease,” which Swinny co-wrote. The band’s follow-up album, “Back into Your System,” was also a commercial success, featuring the hit singles “Always” and “Rest in Pieces,” both of which Swinny co-wrote.
Over the course of his career with Saliva, Swinny received several accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2002 for “Your Disease” and an American Music Award nomination for Favorite Alternative New Artist in 2002.
In addition to his work with Saliva, Swinny also contributed to several other projects, including playing on the debut album of the rock band Red Sun Rising.
Swinny’s death is a significant loss for the rock music community and for Saliva fans worldwide. His contributions to the band’s music and his creative guitar work will continue to be celebrated and appreciated by fans for years to come.
RIP Wayne Swinney
Foo Fighters Recruit Violet Grohl For ‘Show Me How’
The Foo Fighters have released their brand new single “Show Me How,” which features guest vocals from frontman Dave Grohl’s daughter Violet. The song is
The Kaleidoscope Kid Releases New Video “Moth To A Flame”
Get ready to dive headfirst into an explosive musical adventure with The Kaleidoscope Kid! His latest track is a fierce assault on the senses, hitting
Andy Hall and Billy Strings Get Animated For ‘Muscle Car’ Video
Americana Vibes Presents: Andy Hall Collaborates with Billy Strings on “Muscle Car” Single from Upcoming Album Andy Hall, renowned dobro player of The Infamous Stringdusters,
Legendary Singer Tina Turner Dies At 83
The music world has lost an absolute icon, as Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Tina Turner has died at the age of 83. The
Pennywise, Descendents Lead Punk In The Park Lineup
(Ashton-Magnuson Media) Punk In The Park returns to Oak Canyon Park in Orange County, CA bigger and better than ever November 4 & 5, with
Nirvana smashed guitar and setlist sell for $655k, among over $3M sold at rock auction
Over 1,200 items from legendary musicians including Nirvana, Elvis Presley, The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Eddie Van Halen, Freddie Mercury, Led Zeppelin, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Tom