Guitarist Wayne Swinny, a founding member of the rock band Saliva, died Wednesday after suffering a “spontaneous brain hemorrhage,” the band announced on social media.
Saliva, a Memphis-area band that formed in 1996, confirmed Swinny’s death in a Facebook post. His age was not revealed, but TMZ reported that he was 59.
“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our brother Wayne Swinny,” the band wrote. “Wayne passed away this afternoon from a spontaneous brain hemorrhage while we were out on tour.
“Wayne will be missed by all those who knew him.”
The band added: “We love you Wayne.”
According to the band, Swinny was hospitalized on Tuesday after he was found in “medical distress,” USA Today reported.
According to Saliva’s website, the band was appearing in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday, as part of its Spring Mayhem tour. The band was scheduled to appear in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Thursday, but it was unclear whether the show would continue.
Swinny formed Saliva with singer Josey Scott, guitarist Chris Dabaldo, bassist Dave Novotny and drummer Paul Crosby. The band released its self-titled debut album in 1997 and followed it up with “Every Six Seconds,” its major record label debut, in 2001, USA Today reported.
Current Saliva vocalist Bobby Amaru released a statement, noting that he was “grateful to share almost 12 years of my life” with Swinny.
“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,” Amaru said. 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.”
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