Joey Jordison, founding Slipknot drummer, has died aged 46

The late musician died “peacefully in his sleep”, his family have said.

US drummer and Slipknot founding member Joey Jordison has died. The musician passed away on Monday (26 July). A cause of death has yet to be revealed. 

As Billboard reports, his family have since issued a statement. It reads: “We are heartbroken to share the news that Joey Jordison, prolific drummer, musician and artist passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26, 2021. He was 46.”

“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 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 was one of Slipknot’s founding members, establishing the metal group alongside percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray in 1995. He played with the band on their 1999 self-titled debut full-length, 2001’s Iowa, 2004’s Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) and 2008’s All Hope Is Gone. Jordison also co-wrote Slipknot tracks such as Wait and Bleed.

Slipknot would go onto sell millions of albums globally and achieve mainstream chart success. In 2005, the band won Best Metal Performance at the Grammy’s for Before I Forget. 

The Iowa-born drummer remained with the band until 2013. At the time, the group announced: “It is with great pain but quiet respect that for personal reasons Joey Jordison and Slipknot are parting ways.” It was later revealed that he’d left after being diagnosed with transverse myelitis, which is a form of multiple sclerosis. 

Over the course of his career, Jordison also formed other bands and side projects such as Murderdolls and Scar the Martyr. He performed with the likes of Metallica, Korn, Ministry and Rob Zombie.

Fans, friends and musical peers have paid tribute to Jordison’s career on social media in the wake of his passing. Slipknot’s lead vocalist Corey Taylor posted a black square to his social media accounts after news of Jordison’s death broke, as did Shawn Crahan. The official Slipknot accounts also shared the same image. 

Skunk Anansie’s Skin has paid tribute to the musician online, writing: “One of the most ferocious and entertaining bands we ever played with. What a drummer! Rock has lost another legend.”

 

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