Slipknot’s Clown on the current state of the band: “We’re not that close anymore”
Slipknot‘s Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan has shared an update on the current state of the band as they celebrate the 25th anniversary of their debut album – see what Crahan had to say below.
Over the past 15 years, Slipknot have seen a number of member changes; founding bassist Paul Gray died in May 2010 at the age of 38 due to an overdose. In 2013, founding drummer Joey Jordison was fired from the band, and he later died in July 2021 at the age of 46.
In 2019, the band parted ways with percussionist Chris Fehn after he filed a lawsuit against them, alleging that his bandmates had set up several other Slipknot affiliated business entities in different states that he was unaware of. He later settled out of court with the band.
In June 2023, they announced the departure of original keyboardist and sampler Craig Jones, and in November announced that they had let go of Jordison’s replacement drummer Jay Weinberg.
Slipknot are now celebrating the 25th anniversary of their debut album with an assortment of new members. Crahan reflected on the band’s bond in 1999 in a new chat with Metal Hammer, revealing the state of the band now: “Brother, the band will never be like that again.”
He continued: “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.”
Speaking to NME about their plans for their shows and the future, Crahan said late last year: “In 25 years of writing seven albums, we’ve allowed ourselves to do anything and everything we want. We do what we want, as much as we want, when we want, how we want. I’m ready to move on from what has been, and move onto a world that I know needs to be. For instance, normally we’d have about two years on and one-and-a-half years off — we’re not doing that anymore.
“As far as the new album, that’s happening, but that’s another plan. These live dates are coming first and we’re here to have a good time. This band has never been happier, and that takes a lot because we’ve been through a lot — drugs, women, money, fame, ego, isolation. But we are on track.”
Slipknot are currently on their ‘Here Comes The Pain’ tour of North America, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of their 1999 self-titled debut album. They have been playing the record in full, including at a show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, which you can watch in full here.
For all of the anniversary shows, the band have revived their classic look, bringing back the red jumpsuits and elements of their early masks. They are also back on the road later this year, with a UK and European tour set to celebrate 25 years as a band – you can purchase tickets here.
The metal giants will kick off the tour at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on December 5, 2024, before heading onto a trio of shows in Germany, followed by dates in Zürich and Paris. The band will then continue to Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham and will wrap up at London’s O2 Arena on December 20. Check out the full dates here:
Slipknot’s 2024 UK and European tour dates are:
DECEMBER
5 – Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ziggo Dome
6 – Dortmund, Germany, Westfalenhalle
8 – Stuttgart, Germany, Schleyerhalle
9 – Leipzig, Germany, Quarterback Immobilien Arena
11 – Zürich, Switzerland, Hallenstadion
12 – Paris, France, Accorhotel Arena
14 – Leeds, UK, First Direct Arena
15 – Glasgow, UK, OVO Hydro
17 – Manchester, UK, Co-op Live Arena
18 – Birmingham, UK, Utilita Arena
20 – London, UK, O2 Arena
In other news, Crahan recently revealed that he wants the band to perform at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Elsewhere, frontman Corey Taylor has revealed that he’s making changes to his touring schedule and routine after he previously cancelled a North American solo tour, citing struggles with his well-being in January. Last month, the band’s DJ Sid Wilson was hospitalised for serious burns to his face and arms after a bonfire explosion, but has since returned to the stage.
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Surej Singh
NME
