Slipknot has undergone significant changes since their self-titled debut in 1999. Founding bassist Paul Gray passed away in 2010, drummer Joey Jordison in 2021, percussionist Chris Fehn left in 2019, and longtime keyboardist Craig "133" Jones departed in 2023.
Founding percussionist M. Shawn "Clown" Crahan reflected on the band's evolution from 1999 to 2024 via an interview with Metal Hammer, acknowledging that they aren't as close-knit as they once were. "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."
Though Clown is the only original member left, guitarists Mick Thomson and Jim Root, vocalist Corey Taylor, and turntablist Sid Wilson also played on the 1999 album, so Slipknot isn't just functioning as a cover band.
Speaking about Gray and Jordison's legacy, Clown 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 has numerous shows scheduled for the rest of 2024 in celebration of their 1999 debut. Tickets are available on their website.
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
