In a heartfelt announcement, Hatebreed has disclosed that their talented guitarist, Wayne Lozinak, has been diagnosed with a benign brain tumor. As a result, he will temporarily step back from the band’s current tour commitments. This news has understandably concerned fans who have been following the band’s journey closely.

During their performance at the Download Festival on June 14, Wayne experienced mild symptoms that initially raised alarms about a potential stroke. Following this incident, the band took swift action to ensure his health and well-being by seeking medical care, which ultimately led to the discovery of the brain tumor.

Wayne will be returning to the United States to prepare for necessary surgery, while the band has made arrangements for Matt Bachand, the bassist, to take over guitar duties in his absence. Additionally, Karl from First Blood will fill in as the bassist during this period, ensuring that the band can continue performing.

The full statement from the band regarding Wayne’s health is detailed below:

On the night of June 14th, while attending the Download Festival, Wayne began to feel mild symptoms that raised concerns about a potential stroke. Out of an abundance of caution, he sought medical attention upon arriving in Lille, France. After undergoing a CT scan at the local emergency room, doctors discovered a brain tumor, which led to his immediate admission for further testing.

A comprehensive evaluation over the next 24 hours, including an MRI, revealed that the tumor is classified as a benign meningioma—a slow-growing mass that has likely been developing for years. We feel immense relief knowing that Wayne’s diagnosis represents the best possible outcome under these circumstances.

Wayne is now set to return to the U.S. to prepare for surgery and focus on his recovery. His strength and determination remain unwavering, and he is eager to rejoin Hatebreed as soon as he is able. We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and the broader music community during this challenging time.

We will provide further updates as appropriate. We kindly ask everyone to respect Wayne’s privacy as he embarks on this journey toward full health.

@mattbachandmusic will be taking over touring guitar responsibilities, while bass duties will now be managed by Karl @firstbloodrules. We look forward to seeing you in the pit! Photo by @b.896_

Numerous musicians, including Gary Holt, Jonathan Donais, Peter Iwers, and Shadows Fall, have expressed their support and well-wishes in the comments section following the band’s post, demonstrating the tight-knit nature of the music community. Loudwire also extends their best wishes for Wayne’s swift and healthy recovery.

What to Expect from Hatebreed in 2025

At present, Hatebreed is actively touring as part of their Weight of the False Self World Tour. The band is currently traversing Europe, performing a diverse range of shows alongside Carcass and participating in various music festivals, much to the delight of their fans.

READ MORE: Hatebreed’s Wayne Lozinak Shares His Favorite Riffs

This leg of the tour is set to conclude on July 6 in London, after which the band will return to the United States to launch a new North American tour segment. This upcoming leg will feature performances alongside Malevolence, Fugitive, Gridiron, Escuela Grind, and Morbid Visionz, with Incite also making appearances at select dates.

For detailed information on all upcoming Hatebreed tour dates, cities, venues, and ticket purchasing options, fans can visit their official website.