Josey Scott of Saliva takes aim at Bobby Amaru in latest song – Rock stars
Original Saliva lead vocalist Josey Scott has unveiled two fresh singles that seem to target his replacement, Bobby Amaru, as indicated by Nashville producer ScatteredBrains on Instagram.
The tracks, named “Who?” and “Famous,” came shortly after the current SALIVA lineup, helmed by Amaru, released their own single, “Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts,” which appeared to address Scott in its lyrics.
Nashville producer ScatteredBrains, the man behind both songs, discussed the releases in a note about Scott’s musical comeback.
“The wait has been long, about 15 years to be exact,” ScatteredBrains stated. “The debut single ‘Who?’ from Josey Scott is here!!! I am incredibly proud of this track and Josey for mustering up the courage to fight back and forge ahead during a period where he’s being pressured out of his very own legacy, his creation, his band Saliva.”
The producer went on to express his backing of Scott’s assertion to the Saliva legacy.
“Please listen, give it a thumbs up, share, and spread the message that there is only one true Saliva and that is with Josey at the helm,” he continued. “If the fans are willing, Josey is prepared to deliver you all that genuine stuff like he never left!!! I know you’re all fed up with watching a cover band perform his music, we are as well.”
The friction between Scott and the current Saliva lineup has been escalating for some time, rooted in the circumstances of his original departure from the band he founded.
Scott left Saliva in 2011, as noted by Alternative Nation. The actual reasons for his exit were initially veiled by a media-friendly narrative. While the public story suggested he wanted to focus on a Christian solo music career, Scott later clarified that this was not accurate. He mentioned that the narrative about pursuing Christian music was largely promoted by management at the time. In reality, he believed that the music and image of Saliva from a decade or more ago no longer aligned with who he was.
Bobby Amaru took over from Scott as Saliva’s frontman in 2012, confirmed by Blabbermouth, roughly a year post his departure. The relationship between the two vocalists has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Scott accused Amaru of speaking from both sides of his mouth and treating him like a “disgruntled former employee.”
The dispute reignited after Amaru hinted at Scott having “quitter’s remorse,” a claim that Scott vehemently rejected. While there was a degree of reconciliation when Scott performed three songs with the band at the Blue Ridge Rock Festival in 2022 alongside Amaru, relations have soured once more in late 2025, detailed by ThePRP.
The releases signify an escalation in the ongoing tension between Scott and the current SALIVA lineup regarding the band’s legacy. Both sides are now utilizing their music as a medium to publicly air their grievances.