Hatebreed guitarist Wayne Lozinak has announced he’s stepping away from the band’s current tour after being diagnosed with a benign brain tumour. The long time shredder is now preparing for surgery and recovery back home in the States.
Lozinak’s brain tumour diagnosis has led to the guitarist stepping back from touring as he prepares for surgery and recovery. He first noticed something was off during Hatebreed’s set at Download Festival on June 14, after experiencing mild symptoms that raised concerns of a possible stroke. Lozinak sorted medical help the following day in Lille, France with a CT scan revealing a brain tumour. Further tests which included an MRI, confirmed it as a benign meningioma, a slow growing mass that doctors believe may have been there for years.
While the news could have been far worse, the band and fans are breathing a collective sigh of relief at the diagnosis.
Hatebreed shared in a statement:
“We are immensely relieved that Wayne’s diagnosis is the best possible outcome given the circumstances. Wayne will be returning to the U.S. to prepare for surgery and focus on rest and recovery. His strength and resilience remain unwavering and he is determined to return to Hatebreed as soon as he is able.”
Summer Slaughter
In the meantime, Matt Bachand of Shadows Fall is stepping in on guitar with bass duties now handled by Karl from First Blood, as the band powers through their tour dates.
Hatebreed are also set to headline the Summer Slaughter tour in the US this July, bringing their signature brutality alongside Bleeding Through, Malevolence and many more.
Further details and tour dates can be found here!
Fans across the world have flooded social media with messages in support of Lozinak as he prepares for surgery and recovery from his brain tumour diagnosis .
Here’s to a swift, full recovery for Wayne. A player who’s been a cornerstone of Hatebreed’s crushing live shows and relentless sound. We’ll be watching for that return to the stage.
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