One of the founding members of the hard rock band, former Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison has died at age 46.
In a statement from the metal musician’s family: “We are heartbroken to share the news that Joey Jordison, prolific drummer, musician and artist passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26th, 2021. Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow. To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music.”
Jordison along with percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray formed Slipknot in Iowa in 1995 and in December of 2013 the band announced that that Joey and the rockers were “parting ways”. After two decades together, the former drummer later said that he was fired. “No band meeting? None. Anything from management? No, nothing,” stated Jordison in a 2016 interview with Metal Hammer. “All I got was a stupid f—ing email saying I was out of the band that I busted my a– my whole life to f—ing create.”
Before Jordison’s departure, Slipknot earned three Top 10 charters on the Billboard 200, including the #1 All Hope Is Gone (2008) that also ruled the Top Rock Albums and Hard Rock Albums charts. With Jordison, Slipknot also claimed four Top 10 slots on Mainstream Rock Airplay, peaking with “Snuff” in 2010.
In 2016, Jordison revealed that his departure from Slipknot coincided with his contracting disease transverse myelitis and claimed that his bandmates confused his medical issues with a substance abuse problem. “I lost my legs,” he said onstage at 2016’s Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards. “I couldn’t play anymore. It was a form of multiple sclerosis, which I don’t wish on my worst enemy.”
It is unclear from the family statement whether his condition had anything to do with his death and the family of the deceased requests that friends, fans and media respect their need for privacy and peace during this difficult and emotional time as they hold a private funeral service.
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Author: Brad LeBeau
Photo: Factor Metal