As reported by our friends at Lambgoat, Hatebreed have confirmed that longtime guitarist Wayne Lozinak has been diagnosed with a benign meningioma — a non-cancerous brain tumor. The band posted to the band’s social media accounts today, June 17th, 2025, that Lozinak will be stepping away from the road to undergo emergency surgery. After suffering “stroke symptoms” at Download Festival, Wayne sought medical attention. For Hatebreed’s remaining summer festivals, Summer Slaughter, and other tour dates, live bassist Matt Bachand (Shadows Fall, Act of Defiance) will slide over to guitar duties with First Blood’s Carl Schwartz on bass. Get well soon Wayne.
Hatebreed posted:
On the night of June 14th, while at Download Festival, Wayne began experiencing mild symptoms that raised concerns of a possible stroke. Out of an abundance of caution, he sought medical attention the following day upon arriving in Lille, France. After undergoing a CT scan at the ER, doctors discovered a brain tumor, leading to his immediate admission for further testing.
Following a thorough 24-hour evaluation, including an MRI, it was determined that the tumor is a benign meningioma—a slow-growing mass that has likely been present for years. 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. We appreciate all the love and support from fans, friends, and the music community during this time.
Further updates will be shared as appropriate. Thank you for respecting Wayne’s privacy as he begins this journey toward full health.
@mattbachandmusic will be taking over touring guitar duties while bass will now be handled by Karl @firstbloodrules see you in the pit!
06/18 Hamburg, DE @ Große Freiheit 36*
06/19 Dessel, BE @ Graspop Metal Meeting
06/20 Magdeburg, DE @ Factory Magdeburg
06/21 Berlin, DE @ Astra Kulturhaus
06/24 Ostrava, CZ @ BARRÁK Music Club
06/25 Linz, AT @ Posthof – Zeitkultur am Hafen
06/26 Spálené Porící, CZ @ Basinfire Festival
06/27 Leipzig, DE @ Impericon Festival
06/28 Münster, DE @ Vainstream Rockfest
dates w/ Fugitive, Malevolence, Gridiron, Escuela Grind, Incite
07/08 St Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live
07/09 Atlanta, GA @ The Eastern
07/11 San Antonio, TX @ Vibes Event Center
07/12 Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom
07/13 Dallas, TX @ The Bomb Factory
07/15 Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
07/16 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
07/17 Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
07/19 Sayreville, NJ @ Starland Ballroom
07/20 Philadelphia, PA @ Franklin Music Hall
07/22 Charleston, SC @ Charleston Music Hall
07/23 Charlotte, NC @ The Fillmore Charlotte
dates w/ Bleeding Through, Malevolence, Gridiron, Snuffed On Sight, Incite
07/25 Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
07/26 Detroit, MI @ Harpos
07/27 Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave
07/28 Grand Rapids, MI @ The Intersection
07/31 Le Garric, FR @ Xtreme Fest
08/02 Santander, ES @ Escenario Santander
08/03 Vagos, PT @ Vagos Metal Fest
08/05 Sevilla, ES @ Sala Custom
08/06 Villena, ES @ Leyendas del Rock
08/07 Barcelona, ES @ Salamandra
08/08 Pamplona, ES @ Sala Totem Aretoa
08/09 Helsinki, FI @ Hellsinki Metal Festival
08/10 Cercoux, FR @ Festival 666
08/13 Magdeburg, DE @ Factory Magdeburg
08/15 Vallamand, CH @ Rock The Lakes
08/16 Lindau, DE @ Club Vaudeville