We’re Not That Close Anymore

Slipknot has changed quite a bit since their 1999 self-titled debut album.Ffounding bassist Paul Gray died in 2010, founding drummer Joey Jordison died in 2021, longtime percussionist Chris Fehn left in 2019, and longtime keyboardist and samples master Craig “133” Jones left in 2023.

In an interview with Metal Hammer, founding percussionist M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan addressed Slipknot‘s status in 2024 versus 1999. Clown notes that it’s different now and that the band isn’t as close as they used to be.

“I can’t tell you how close we were then: we’re not that close anymore. People are gone. Craig‘s out. Chris is out, Joey‘s out, Paul‘s out. The band is different. But, back then, there was nine guys that wanted to be in the same place, and we made it work. And we wound up here, and here is wonderful.”

For those unaware, the only founding member of Slipknot still in the band is Clown. Though it is worth noting that guitarists Mick Thomson and Jim Root, vocalist Corey Taylor, and turntablist Sid Wilson all played on the 1999 self-titled. So it’s not like Slipknot is out there operating as basically a cover band.

On Gray and Jordison‘s contributions to the band, Clown later added: “They’re greatly missed, and every day that I go through this 25-year anniversary, I miss them more, but also appreciate, love, and just acknowledge who they were to all this. It’s very important for me to say that, because these are two gentlemen that should be talking to you, and they can’t.

“Joey and Paul… Oh my God, they wrote this shit man. Number 1 and Number 2. The path changed for us after they passed, and we had to keep going, and take a new path, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t know where we came from, or ever forget what brought us here.”

Slipknot still has a boatload of shows booked throughout the rest of 2024 in celebration of their 1999 self-titled debut album. Get those dates below, get your tickets here.

10/11 Sacramento, CA Aftershock Festival
10/19 São Paulo, BR Knotfest Brasil
11/8 Guadalajara, MX Calle 2
11/9 Mexico City, MX Parque Bicentenario
12/5 Amsterdam, NL Ziggo Dome
12/6 Dortmund, DE Westfalehallen
12/8 Stuttgart, DE Schleyerhalle
12/9 Leipzig, DE Quarterback Immobilien Arena
12/11 Zürich, CH Hallenstadion
12/12 Paris, FR Accor Arena
12/14 Leeds, UK First Direct Arena
12/15 Glasgow, UK Ovo Hydro
12/17 Manchester, UK Co-op Live
12/18 Birmingham, UK Utilita Arena
12/20 London, UK The O2
12/21 London, UK The O2