Wayne Swinny, lead guitarist and founding member of the rock band Saliva, died of a brain hemorrhage Wednesday.
His bandmates confirmed his death in an emotional tribute posted to their Facebook page. The announcement of Swinny’s passing came hours after the band reported that he had been rushed to hospital and placed in an ICU after suffering a medical emergency.
“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our brother Wayne Swinny,” they wrote. “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.”
The band had been promoting their tour with excitement just a day before the announcement of Swinny’s medical emergency.
“Swinny is the best there is, was, & ever will be outta Memphis,Tn. 🔥Big Facts! RIP Wayne, see you on the other side!💔Love to your family, fans, & friends!” said wife of Saliva’s former lead singer, Josey Scott.
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Bobby Amaru, Saliva’s lead singer, expressed his heartache over the sudden loss.
“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, according to TMZ. “My heart aches for his daughter Nikki. He loved that little girl so much.”
He described Swinny’s personality and recalled the good times they shared. (RELATED: Last Surviving Founding Member Of Lynyrd Skynyrd Dead At 71)
“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,” Amaru said, according to TMZ. “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!!”