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How did Wayne Swinny die? Tributes pour in for Saliva founder, 59, who was an 'incredible human'

'It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Wayne Swinny, the guitarist of Saliva,' a representative of the band said

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Saliva's guitarist and founding member Wayne Swinny died after having a brain hemorrhage while on tour with the band. The information was released shortly after the band revealed that the 59-year-old was hospitalized after experiencing a medical emergency. A band representative told TMZ, "It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Wayne Swinny, the guitarist of Saliva. Wayne passed away this afternoon from a spontaneous brain hemorrhage while on tour."

Wayne was fighting for his life in the ICU. He reportedly had a spontaneous brain hemorrhage after being taken to a hospital on Tuesday, March 21, 2023. "Our dear brother Wayne Swinny was discovered Tuesday morning in medical distress and paramedics were called," the band said, according to a post from their official Facebook page at the time. But a few hours later, the group made an announcement on Swinny's death, The US Sun reported.

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How did Wayne Swinny die?

The guitarist and founding member of Saliva died of a brain hemorrhage while touring with his band. According to TMZ, Swinny was fighting for his life in the ICU after experiencing a brain hemorrhage. The band posted the information on social media along with a statement that said, "Our dear brother Wayne Swinny was discovered Tuesday morning in medical distress and paramedics were called. He was transported to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a Spontaneous Hemorrhage in his brain. He is currently in the ICU as we await further news. We ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers at this time."

'My heart aches for Wayne's family'

Saliva singer and band member Bobby Amaru said in a statement, "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. My heart aches for his daughter Nikki. He loved that girl so much."

Amaru continued, "He was a guitar hero onstage with all the rock 'n' roll swat 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."

'The older brother I never had'

Amaru, who joined the group in 2011, noted that he was grateful to have known Wayne for almost 12 years, both on and off the stage. Amaru continued, "He was the older brother I never had. I learned so much from him and we had a f***ing blast together! I will cherish it all for the rest of my life! God Bless you Wayne. I know we’ll meet again!!"

The wife of Josey Scott, the ex-lead singer of Saliva, wrote on social media that the group is "in complete shock and heartbreak." She recalled that Wayne was described by Josey as his "musical soulmate," and she recalls that he had a good sense of humor.

Saliva was formed by Swinny in the late '90s with vocalist Josey Scott, guitarist Chris Dabaldo, bassist Dave Novotny, and drummer Paul Crosby. The band is renowned for its angry combination of hard rock and hip-hop. The band released its self-titled debut album in March 2001, followed by 'Every Six Seconds' in March 2001.

The band received a Grammy award for best hard rock performance in 2002 for their album 'Every Six Seconds', which featured the lead song 'Your Disease'. The album went on to sell one million copies. Swinny contributed to 11 studio albums throughout the course of his career, playing on songs by Saliva such as 'Always', 'Your Disease', 'Click Click Boom', and 'Survival of the Sickest'.

'This is shocking!'

Fans took to the internet to pay tribute to the rock legend of the late 90s. One fan exclaimed, "This is shocking! We were hanging out with him a few weeks ago in Las Vegas. He had the biggest guitar tone on the planet and was a super cool dude! #RIPWayne." A second fan wrote, "May he rest in peace."

American television host Matt Pinfield wrote on Twitter, "I am so sad to learn that my old friend Wayne Swinny of Saliva passed away suddenly today. He was a great guy with a huge heart. I will miss him." "Sad to read about the passing of Wayne Swinny today. Rest in peace, brother," said another fan on social media.

American musician Muck Sticky also expressed grief and wrote, "My heart is so heavy today with the passing of our brother, the legendary Wayne Swinny of Saliva. Genuinely one of the sweetest souls I’ve ever known. Long live the spirit of rock-n-roll, because a big part of it is no longer here on this earth. We love you Wayne. Rock In Power!!"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.