Saliva Band: Who was Wayne Swinny?

Wayne Swinny was the last founding member of the Memphis rock band Saliva.

He passed away on March 22, 2023, at the age of 59.

Swinny had suffered a brain hemorrhage, while on tour supporting the band’s latest single “High on Me.”

His death had led to the disbanding of the group.

“He was a Guitar Hero onstage with all the Rock ‘N’ Roll swag that most guitar players dream of,” Bobby Amaru had said.

“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”, Amaru added.

About The Saliva Rock Band

Saliva is an American rock band that began in the early 1990s, in Memphis, Tennessee.

The group was announced by the Mark Yoshida record label, Rockingchair Records, with the release of its debut album, in 1997.

The pioneer members of the band were vocalist Josey Scott Sappington, drummer Todd Poole, bassist Dave Novotny and guitarists Chris D’Abaldo and Wayne Swinny.

Saliva is remembered for its iconic performance during Halloween in 1996, with Sappington in a nun costume and Novotny in a voodoo costume.

The group later came under Islanda Def Jam Records and released their second and third studio albums, Every Six Seconds, and Back into Your System respectively.

One of their all-time hit songs, “Always”, ranked number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the Modern Rock Chart.

Other songs by the band includs Survival of the Sickest, Blood Stained Love Story, Ladies and Gentlemen, Your Disease”, “Always”, and “Click Click Boom.

In 2011, Josey Scottbleft the band to pursue a solo career.

In 2023, Wayne Swinny, 59,  died from a brain hemorrhage.

Their last original member, Wayne Swinny died on March 22, 2023.

Current members of the band include lead vocalist Bobby Amaru, Brad Stewart (bass, backing vocals), and drummer Sammi Bishop.