Joey Jordison, former Slipknot drummer, dies aged 46

Joey Jordison, founding member and former drummer of American heavy metal band Slipknot, has died at 46 years old.

The cause of death is not revealed, but Jordison’s family say he passed away peacefully in his sleep. In their statement, the family say how they are left with “empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow”. They ask that fans, friends and the media respect their “need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time”.

Formed in 1995, Jordison was one of Slipknot’s original members, along with bassist Paul Gray and percussionist Shawn Crahan. Four years later they released their successful self-titled debut album. The group achieved mainstream success in the US charts, sold millions of albums worldwide, and bagged themselves a Grammy award. Many consider the drummer as crucial to their success.

Ferociously entertaining

Slipknot are well known for their unique aggressive style of music and the horror style masks they wear on stage.

Jordison left the band in 2013, revealing in later years it was due to diagnosis of transverse myelitis, a type of multiple sclerosis.

Following the news of Jordison’s death, Slipknot’s lead vocalist Corey Taylor and Crahan posted black images to their social media accounts.

Jordison, born Nathan Jonas Jordison in Des Moines, Iowa in 1975, received his first drum kit at the age of 8 from his parents, and grew up playing music. He joined a group in 1995, then called Pale Ones, which eventually became Slipknot. Throughout his time, he also found success with other bands

Jordison found success with other bands, forming Murderdolls, and performing with famous acts such as Korn, Metallica and Rob Zombie.

An incredible musician

Jordison’s death comes just over a decade after fellow founder of Slipknot Paul Gray dying of a drug overdose in 2010.

Following the announcement of Jordison’s death tributes poured in from fans and other artists on social media.

This included Skunk Anansie singer SKin, who described Slipknot as “one of the most ferocious and entertaining bands we ever played with”. Metallica wrote on Facebook “RIP brother”, while rock band Papa Roach tweeted “Love you brother”. Meanwhile, System of a Down’s Serj Tankian described him as an “amazing drummer and a fantastic guy”.

The late drummer is credited as having “changed the face of heavy music on the planet as we know it”. While YouTuber Nik Nocturnal adds, he is “an absolute legend who changed the game not only for drums, but metal music as a whole”.

Bandmate, drummer Alex Bent, is lost for words, saying it is an understatement to call him an inspiration. He owes a lot to Jordison, and says he “could never imagine being where I am today without his influence”. Bent spent hours studying Jordison’s moves behind the drum kit, learning.

Singer-songwriter Frank Turner adds, Jordison is an “incredible musician”, “46 is no age. RIP”.

Thank you for reading Joey Jordison, former Slipknot drummer, dies aged 46

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