The early 2000s brought out a wave of nu-metal bands. Gathered from across the nation that started in other genres suddenly found themselves embracing a new sound, and making great careers in this new head space. That was the case for Saliva thanks to the organization behind the Grammy’s. After winning a local and regional contest, the band was swept out to LA where they quickly evolved into a nu-metal group from their original bluegrass sound.
As one of the few bands to survive more than five years after that change, Saliva proved that they can endure and keep pushing on. Even the departure of their signature vocalist Josey Scott in 2011 couldn’t stop them from doing what these guys loved; making music. Unfortunately for founding member Wayne Swinny the tour has come to an end after dying suddenly in the middle of the band’s tour.
Reps for the group 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.” Previous statements just hours before had him listed as being in the ICU following a medical emergency.
Current lead singer Bobby Amaru said “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 little girl so much … 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.”
Members of the metal community across the subgenres offered up messages of support for Swinny’s family, bandmates, family, and fans. Through their messages and memories of Swinny, he will live on in the hearts and minds of metal heads the world over.
