So, apparently, HATEBREED’s Wayne Lozinak, the guy who shreds (or at least pretends to) on guitar, had a little something extra going on in his skull. Turns out, it was a brain tumor.😱 But don’t worry, folks, he’s here to give us the thrilling update we’ve all been waiting for! Is it benign? Malignant? Does it even matter? Let’s find out!
Wayne, bless his heart, took to Instagram, because where else would a rockstar share such earth-shattering news? 🙄 He said, and I quote, “Hello everyone. Just wanted to first say, I’m feeling fine.” Feeling fine? After a brain tumor diagnosis? Is this guy superhuman or just in denial? 🤔 He’s been back in the U.S. since last week, soaking up that sweet American healthcare. More tests, another MRI, because apparently, the French doctors weren’t thorough enough. Can never be too sure when you’re dealing with a potential brain invasion, right? 🧠
“In case you missed it,” (as if we haven’t been obsessively refreshing Blabbermouth for updates), “I have a benign meningioma in my head that needs to be removed!” Oh, just a benign brain tumor, no biggie. 🤷♂️ He’s got an appointment with a neurosurgeon this week, because scheduling surgery is as easy as ordering pizza these days.🍕 He’s “looking forward to getting back on the road and seeing you all.” Because nothing says “rock and roll” like brain surgery recovery.🎸
But wait, there’s more! He wants to thank everyone who reached out. “It was overwhelming, the amount of people sending me well wishes, positivity and just the fact of being in your thoughts, was so appreciated!!!” Yes, Wayne, we were all thinking about you. Mostly wondering if this would affect your ability to play the same three power chords over and over. 🤔 Thank you?!!!
“….and if you feel like something may be off with your health, and you don’t feel like your ‘normal self’, it’s a good idea to get checked out!” he added. “Might be nothing, but you never know!” 🤯 Wow, profound advice, Wayne. Truly groundbreaking. Who knew that going to the doctor when you feel sick was a good idea? 🤣
Let’s rewind a bit to June 17, when HATEBREED dropped the bombshell. Apparently, Wayne had “mild symptoms” at Download Festival that raised concerns of a possible stroke. Mild symptoms? Like forgetting how to play “I Will Be Heard”? 🤣 Out of an abundance of caution (because metalheads are known for their cautious nature), he sought medical attention in France. A CT scan revealed the brain tumor, because who needs a hangover when you can have a benign meningioma? 🤪
The band, in their infinite wisdom, declared that the tumor is a “slow-growing mass that has likely been present for years.” So, basically, Wayne’s been rocking out with a brain tumor for who knows how long. 🤘 Talk about dedication to the craft! They’re “immensely relieved” that it’s benign. As if they’d admit anything else. 🙄
Wayne’s heading back to the U.S. to “prepare for surgery and focus on rest and recovery.” Translation: He’s going to binge-watch Netflix and complain about the hospital food. 😴 He’s “determined to return to HATEBREED as soon as he is able.” Because HATEBREED just isn’t the same without him. Or is it? 🤔
In the meantime, HATEBREED is soldiering on with touring bassist Matt Bachand filling in on guitar, and Carl Schwartz of FIRST BLOOD and TERROR joining on bass. It’s like a revolving door of metal musicians! 🚪 Who’s next? 🤔
Lozinak has been a “key part” of HATEBREED’s sound since 2009. Which is debatable, but who am I to judge? 🤷♀️
And because no metal band can resist the allure of nostalgia, HATEBREED is resurrecting the “Summer Slaughter” tour for 2025. Get ready for a brutal lineup of bands you’ve probably never heard of! 🤘 Support includes FUGITIVE, GRIDIRON, MALEVOLENCE, INCITE, ESCUELA GRIND, and SNUFFED ON SIGHT. Sounds like a blast! 🎉

Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.