Joey Jordison, Slipknot Co-Founder and Drummer, Dead at 46
Joey Jordison, drummer and founding member of the heavy metal band Slipknot, died on Monday. He was 46.
"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," the musician's family said in a statement. "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," the statement continued. "The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time. The family will hold a private funeral service and asks the media and public to respect their wishes."
Jordison founded Slipknot with percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray in 1995 and played with the band as a drummer for nearly two decades. According to Rolling Stone, Jordison left in 2013, citing "personal reasons," later revealing the real reason he exited was due to a neurological disease.
"I got really, really sick with a horrible disease called transverse myelitis, I lost my legs," he told the audience at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards in 2016. "I couldn't play anymore. It was a form of multiple sclerosis, which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I got myself back up, and I got myself in the gym and I got myself back in f**king therapy, to f**king beat this sh*t."
Jordison played in a number of other bands over the years, including Scar The Martyr, Murderdolls, Vimic and Sinsaenum. He also performed with bands and artists like Rob Zombie, Korn and Metallica.
Shortly after news of his death broke on Tuesday, many took to Twitter to share their condolences and pay tribute to the music icon. See some reactions below:
Shit. RIP to the brother Joey Jordison. Love you brother.
— Papa Roach (@paparoach) July 27, 2021
Absolutely shocked & gutted to hear of the passing of @joeyjordison. In addition to being an incredible drummer, he was always a classy guy. When he heard how much of a fan @MaxPortnoy_ was, he sent to the house a giant box filled with @slipknot swag: shirts, hoodies, backpacks… pic.twitter.com/Ga3xtZk8ec
— Mike Portnoy 🤘 (@MikePortnoy) July 27, 2021
Fucking hell. RIP Joey Jordison #AnotherLegendGone 🙏🏼
— Dave Fee (@As_DaveFee) July 27, 2021
Dude was an incredible drummer and song writer and was always super gracious to us anytime we toured with the band. #RIPhttps://t.co/tFuQS1Uw4y
— Paolo Gregoletto (@TriviumPaolo) July 27, 2021
I cannot believe this news today, Rest In Peace #1 @slipknot 😢
— Charlie Benante (@skisum) July 27, 2021
💔
— Mark Morton 🇺🇸 (@MarkDuaneMorton) July 27, 2021
WHAT?! 😔😔😔 https://t.co/C6GqJwuT7l
— Nick Martin (@nodirectioncasa) July 27, 2021
Very sadden to hear about the passing of former SLIPKNOT drummer Joey Jordison who passed away today. Nick was a huge fan of Joey's drumming. Nick: that dude is a fucking machine! Condolences to Joey's family, friends and fans during this tragic time. RIP Joey Jordison pic.twitter.com/FRVCLQ9v1E
— Nick Menza (@MenzaNick) July 27, 2021
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