The story of Slipknot has always been built on intensity—on brotherhood, chaos, and a shared identity forged through years of relentless touring and creation. At the center of that identity was Joey Jordison, a founding member whose drumming helped define the band’s explosive sound and visual presence. For nearly two decades, he wasn’t just part of Slipknot—he was its pulse.
Which is why what happened in 2013 still stands as one of the most painful chapters in the band’s history.
According to Corey Taylor, the way Jordison’s departure was handled is something that continues to carry weight. After 18 years together, the decision to part ways didn’t come through a face-to-face conversation or a moment of mutual understanding. Instead, it was delivered through management—via a cold, impersonal email.
For a band that had built its identity on unity, that method of communication felt deeply out of sync with everything they represented.
What makes the situation even more difficult in hindsight is what Jordison was going through at the time. He was later diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis, a serious condition that affected his nervous system and significantly impacted his ability to play drums. At the time of his exit, the full scope of his health struggles wasn’t widely understood, adding another layer of complexity and misunderstanding to the situation.
From Jordison’s perspective, the dismissal came as a shock. From the band’s perspective, as later reflections suggest, it became something they had to reckon with over time. Corey Taylor has acknowledged that the way it was handled—through management rather than direct communication—was a mistake. Not necessarily the decision itself, but the manner in which it happened.
That distinction matters.
Bands, especially ones that last for decades, often face internal challenges—creative differences, personal struggles, health issues. But how those moments are handled can leave lasting impressions. In this case, the lack of direct conversation turned an already difficult situation into something more painful.
Jordison’s contributions to Slipknot remain undeniable. His technical precision, speed, and creativity helped shape the band’s early records and live performances, influencing an entire generation of metal drummers. Even after his departure, his legacy within the band’s history has never been erased.
Looking back, the story isn’t just about a lineup change—it’s about the human side of a band navigating complicated circumstances. It highlights how decisions made under pressure, or through layers of management, can carry consequences that extend far beyond the moment itself.
For fans, it remains a difficult chapter to process. For the band, it’s one they’ve openly reflected on with a sense of regret and honesty.
Because in a group built on brotherhood, the hardest truths are often not about what happened—but about how it happened.