Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Hatebreed Guitarist Leaves Tour After Brain Tumor Diagnosis

Hatebreed - Wayne Lozinak Bloodstock Festival, Burton Upon Trent, UK - 12 Aug 2017
Photo by Tracey Welch/Shutterstock (8992180j)

Hatebreed guitarist Wayne Lozinak has made headlines following the announcement of his temporary departure from the band's European tour due to a brain tumor diagnosis. The Connecticut-based metal band shared this news via their social media channels, revealing that Lozinak experienced mild symptoms that were initially concerning for a stroke while performing at the Download Festival in the UK. Upon seeking medical attention in Lille, France, it was determined that he has a benign meningioma, a slow-growing brain tumor which, while noncancerous, requires surgery for removal.

The band expressed immense relief at the diagnosis being the “best possible outcome given the circumstances” since the tumor is not cancerous. This type of tumor, known as a meningioma, typically grows slowly and can remain undetected for years. Despite this, it has necessitated Lozinak's return to the United States for surgery and subsequent recovery. Lozinak himself remains determined to rejoin the band as soon as possible, demonstrating his strong resolve and commitment to both his health and his craft.

Hatebreed fans have shown enormous support for Lozinak during this challenging time. The widespread display of love from fans, friends, and the music community at large has been acknowledged and appreciated by both the band and Lozinak. During his absence, guitarist Matt Bachand from Shadows Fall will take over Lozinak's guitar duties, while Carl Schwartz from First Blood will handle bass responsibilities. This adjustment ensures the band can continue their current “Weight of the False Self” world tour uninterrupted, which is currently in its European phase.

Hatebreed has been an influential force in the metal and hardcore scenes since their formation in 1994, originating from Bridgeport, Connecticut. The band gained significant attention with their 2002 album, “Perseverance,” and has continued to build on their success over the years. They have maintained a dedicated following and achieved notable commercial success with spikes in chart rankings, peaking with their album “The Divinity of Purpose” in 2013. The band’s energetic live performances have continued to captivate audiences globally, marking them as a staple at major music festivals and tours.

In the wake of Lozinak's diagnosis and surgery, the band’s schedule for supporting the Summer Slaughter Tour in the U.S remains, highlighting their robust planning and adaptability. Scheduled to kick off as the headliners in July 2025, this tour emphasizes their ongoing commitment to their fans and the music they passionately create and perform. Notably, Hatebreed's endurance and resilience are emblematic of the band's ethos and enduring presence in the metalcore scene, now boosted by the unity and support from their global community.

As news of Wayne Lozinak's condition and his impending surgery continues to unfold, the spotlight on his health journey and the band’s perseverance provides a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by performers behind the scenes. It also showcases the deep connections and support networks within the music community, invaluable in times of personal and collective challenges.

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Roger Waters, bassist, songwriter and former member of the rock band Pink Floyd performing on stage in Bologna, April 28, 2023, Italy, during his european tour. Photo Michele Nucci. Music Concert - Roger Waters - Farewell Tour, Bologna, Italy - 28 Apr 2023

Roger Waters Risks Jail Time During Political Protest

Roger Waters, former member of the iconic rock band Pink Floyd, finds himself at the center of legal controversy following…

David Bowie David Bowie Meltdown concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London, Britain - 29 Jun 2002

Huge New David Bowie Box Set Contains His Final Years

David Bowie’s legacy and his final years in music are being lavishly celebrated in the form of a comprehensive box…

Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones performs during The Rolling Stones 'Hackney Diamonds Tour' at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA - 27 June 2024 The Rolling Stones 'Hackney Diamonds Tour', Chicago, USA - 27 Jun 2024

Ronnie Wood Set to Release First Career-Spanning Compilation ‘Fearless: Anthology 1965-2025’

Renowned guitarist Ronnie Wood is being honored with a comprehensive anthology that encapsulates his illustrious 60-year career. Known for his…

Tony Levin King Crimson Festival, Crocus City Hall, Moscow, Russia - 26 May 2012

King Crimson’s in The Studio Recording a New Album

King Crimson, the illustrious progressive rock band from England, is set to release their first studio album since 2003’s *The…

Goo Goo Dolls - Johnny Rzeznik The Freezing Man Festival: Joey's Song Benefit Concert at The Sylvee in Madison, Wisconsin, USA - 11 Jan 2025

The Goo Goo Dolls Set to Headline 2025 Carousel Ball

The Goo Goo Dolls are set to headline the 39th Annual Carousel Ball, a charity gala organized by the Children’s…

LEFT PHOTO: Todd La Torre of Queensryche performs on Stage 954 at the Dania Beach Casino, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA - 15 Mar 2025 RIGHT PHOTO: Singer Mark Tornillo (Accept) at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken./Singer Mark Tornillo (Accept) performing at the Wacken Open Air in Wacken.

Queensrÿche Announces US 2025 Tour With Accept

Queensryche, the renowned progressive metal band, has officially announced an exciting new tour for the fall of 2025. This tour,…

MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 23: Buck Meek and Adrianne Lenker of Big Thief perform at Alcatraz Milan on April 23, 2023 in Milan, Italy. Big Thief Perform In Milan Italy - 23 Apr 2023

Big Thief Shares New Song ‘All Night All Day’

Big Thief has once again captured the music world’s attention with the release of their new single, “All Night All…

Sabrina Carpenter 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Show, Los Angeles, USA - 02 Feb 2025

Sabrina Carpenter Reveals Different Album Art From Prior Cover Controversy

Sabrina Carpenter has once again captured the media’s attention with her upcoming album “Man’s Best Friend,” which has been the…

Lauryn Hill Ms Lauryn Hill and Fugees in concert, The O2, London, UK - 14 Oct 2024

Lauryn Hill Addresses Being Late to Shows

Lauryn Hill’s recent performance at the 2025 Essence Festival has sparked discussions on the perpetual narrative surrounding her punctuality at…