Wayne Lozinak, the guitarist for hardcore metal veterans Hatebreed, has offered a direct and candid update on his health status, one month after revealing a brain tumor diagnosis that led to his temporary departure from the band’s European tour. Taking to Instagram on Friday, July 11, Lozinak provided reassuring news and details about his upcoming surgery.
“Hello! Just wanted to give another update for those that are interested,” Lozinak began his post. “First off, I still feel fine. Haven’t had any episodes again like the first one I had after Download fest, so that’s good. Also on medication at the moment, that’s supposed to help with that not happening again.”
The guitarist then elaborated on the critical next step in his recovery: “I have a few more appointments at the medical offices to get ready for surgery, which is scheduled for August, 4th. I will be getting a craniotomy, which they basically will be cutting into my skull over my left ear, taking the tumor out, then patching everything back up. Something like that.”
Regarding his return to the stage, Lozinak expressed optimism but cautioned about the recovery timeline. “Not sure how long it will take to recover, but they said probably will be a minimum of at least 6 weeks. It’s different for everyone, so only time will tell…..But, I will be back out there as soon as I feel like I can, and of course if they tell me it’s safe to do so!!!”
He concluded his message with heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you all again, for the amount of positivity being thrown my way!!! It feels good and is really appreciated!”
Lozinak‘s diagnosis was initially announced on June 17, following a scare on June 14 at the Download Festival where he experienced mild symptoms suggestive of a possible stroke. He promptly sought medical attention in Lille, France. A CT scan at the emergency room revealed a brain tumor, leading to immediate hospitalization for further investigation. A thorough 24-hour evaluation, including an MRI, confirmed the tumor to be a benign meningioma—a slow-growing mass believed to have been present for years. In a previous statement, Hatebreed conveyed immense relief that Lozinak’s diagnosis was “the best possible outcome given the circumstances,” commending his “strength and resilience” and determination to return.
In Lozinak‘s absence, Hatebreed has continued its rigorous touring schedule across Europe and North America. Matt Bachand, typically the band’s touring bassist, has stepped in to handle guitar duties, while Carl Schwartz of First Blood and Terror has joined the group to cover bass.
Hatebreed’s Upcoming Tour Dates:
North America (Summer Slaughter Tour):
- July 12, 2025 – Oklahoma City, OK – Diamond Ballroom
- July 13, 2025 – Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory
- July 15, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Old National Centre
- July 16, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
- July 17, 2025 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount
- July 18, 2025 – Springfield, MA – MassMutual Center
- July 19, 2025 – Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom
- July 20, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
- July 22, 2025 – Charleston, SC – The Charleston Music Hall
- July 23, 2025 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
- July 24, 2025 – Richmond, VA – Allianz Amphitheater at Riverfront
- July 26, 2025 – Detroit, MI – Harpo’s Concert Theatre
- July 27, 2025 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Ballroom
Europe (Festivals & Headlining):
- July 31, 2025 – Le Garric, France – Xtreme Fest
- August 1, 2025 – Saint-Paul-en-Pareds, France – La Grange du Charfait
- August 3, 2025 – Vagos, Portugal – Vagos Metal Fest
- August 5, 2025 – Sevilla, Spain – Sala Custom
- August 6, 2025 – Villena, Spain – Leyendas Del Rock
- August 7, 2025 – Barcelona (L’Hospitalet de Llobregat), Spain – Salamandra
- August 8, 2025 – Pamplona (Villava, Navrra), Spain – Sala TOTEM Aretoa
- August 9, 2025 – Helsinki, Finland – Hellsinki Metal Festival
- August 10, 2025 – Cercoux, France – Festival 666
- August 12, 2025 – Utrecht, Netherlands – Tivoli Vredenburg
- August 13, 2025 – Magdeburg, Germany – Factory Magdeburg
- August 14, 2025 – Essen, Germany – Turock
- August 15, 2025 – Vallamand, Switzerland – Rock The Lakes Festival
- August 16, 2025 – Lindau, Germany – Club Vaudeville
U.S. Festivals (Fall):
- September 18-21, 2025 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life
- October 2-5, 2025 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock
U.K. Tour with Killswitch Engage:
- October 8, 2025 – Wolverhampton, UK – University of Wolverhampton at The Halls
- October 9, 2025 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
- October 11, 2025 – Newcastle, UK – NX
- October 12, 2025 – Cardiff, UK – DEPOT
- October 13, 2025 – Leeds, UK – O2 Academy Leeds
- October 15, 2025 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy Glasgow
- October 17, 2025 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley
