Slipknot's Corey Taylor speaks publicly for the first time about Joey Jordison's death

He calls it a 'damn tragedy'

Joey Jordison and Corey Taylor
Author: Scott ColothanPublished 24th Sep 2021

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has spoken publicly for the first time about Joey Jordison’s death.

Former Slipknot drummer and founding member Joey Jordison “passed away peacefully in his sleep” on 26th July 2021 aged just 46 years old. A cause of death hasn’t been revealed.

Appearing on SiriusXM's Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk this week, Corey was asked how he has dealt with the passing of Joey Jordison.

"It's been tough, man,” Corey said. “Our first concern was obviously his family, so we reached out immediately to make sure that they were okay, to let them know if they needed anything from us, they could absolutely ask.

"It's a damn tragedy. He was way too young, and he was way too talented to lose him like this.”

Commenting on Joey Jordison’s exit from Slipknot in December 2013, Corey said: "I know a lot of people wonder about the circumstances that led to him not being in the band anymore, and it's, like, we're not gonna talk about that, because I'd rather talk about his legacy, which is that he helped create this band that we all have fought to keep out there and keep going.

"Just the fact that he's not here now, it's still — I still can't believe it.”

Corey Taylor and Joey Jordison in 2008

Slipknot initially said Joey Jordison left the band due to “personal reasons”, however in January 2014 Joey issued a statement saying he didn’t quit the band.

“I want to make it very clear that I DID NOT QUIT SLIPKNOT,” Joey wrote at the time. “This band has been my life for the last 18 years, and I would never abandon it, or my fans. This news has shocked and blindsided me as much as it has all of you.”

Following his Slipknot exit, Joey Jordison went on to form Scar The Martyr, Vimic and Sinsaenum.

In the wake of Joey’s passing, Slipknot and band members Corey Taylor, Jim Root and Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan all changed their social media profiles to black images in tribute to the late drummer.

“The Iowan masked metallers later shared an eight-minute video tribute to Joey and wrote: Our hearts go out to Joey’s family and loved ones at this time of tremendous loss. Joey Jordison’s art, talent, and spirit could not be contained or be held back.

“Joey’s impact on Slipknot, on our lives, and on the music that he loved, is incalculable. Without him there would be no us. We mourn his loss with the entire Slipknot family.

“We love you, Joey.”

Slipknot and more unmasked:

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Slipknot’s Mick Thomson unmasked

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Slipknot’s Jay Weinberg unmasked

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Slipknot’s Sid Wilson unmasked

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Limp Bizkit’s Wes Borland unmasked and without makeup

Chameleon-like Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland is constantly coming up with brilliant new looks for the band's live shows. Fusing a mask with crudely painted make-up, this brilliantly disturbing guise is like a cross between Salvador Dali, The Joker and a demented aristocrat. Here is Wes Borland without his mask and makeup at a photoshoot in 2017.

Slipknot’s Corey Taylor unmasked

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Ghost’s Tobias Forge (aka Papa Emeritus) unmasked

Flanked by his band of Nameless Ghouls, Tobias Forge has adopted a number of papal guises over the years; from the various incarnations of Papa Emeritus through to Cardinal Copia and Papa Emeritus IV. On the right is Tobias Forge without his mask at the Grammy Awards in 2019.

GWAR’s Blothar unmasked

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Slipknot’s Alessandro Venturella unmasked

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KISS’s Paul Stanley unmasked and without makeup

Alongside Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley has been a member of KISS since their inception in 1973 and his alter ego The Starchild has remained a constant all this time.

Slipknot’s Jim Root unmasked

Slipknot guitarist #4 Jim Root has worn a Jester mask for the entirety of his career with only minor changes in its design. Why change perfection?! Jim Root is immediately identifiable even without his mask thanks to his luscious, voluminous beard.

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Ex-Slipknot percussionist Chris Fehn unmasked

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KISS’s Gene Simmons unmasked and without makeup

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KISS’s Eric Singer unmasked and without makeup

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KISS’s Tommy Thayer unmasked and without makeup

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Ghost Nameless Ghoul unmasked

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