[News] Slipknot co-founder, Joey Jordison dies at 46

American musician and songwriter, Joey Jordison, has died at the age of 46.

 

Jordison, who was a former Slipknot drummer and one of the founding members of the hard rock band, died in his sleep on Monday, July 26.

 

His family announced his passing on Tuesday, July 27.

 

A statement from Jordison’s family to Billboard reads: “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.

 

“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.”

 

Nathan Jonas “Joey” Jordison was best known as the drummer of the metal band Slipknot as well as guitarist for horror punk band Murderdolls.

 

 

Jordison formed Slipknot in his native Iowa in 1995 along with percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray.

 

Slipknot announced in December 2013 that Jordison and the band were “parting ways” after nearly two decades together. But Jordison later said in interviews that he was fired.

 

“No band meeting? None. Anything from management? No, nothing,” Jordison said in a 2016 interview with Metal Hammer. “All I got was a stupid f***ing email saying I was out of the band that I busted my a** my whole life to f***ing create.”

 

In 2016, Jordison revealed that his exit from the band coincided with his getting sick with a disease called transverse myelitis and claimed that his bandmates confused his medical issues with a substance abuse problem.

 

He said onstage at 2016’s Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards: “I lost my legs. I couldn’t play anymore. It was a form of multiple sclerosis, which I don’t wish on my worst enemy.”

 

It’s unclear from the family statement whether his condition had anything to do with his death.

 

With Slipknot, Jordison won a Grammy for best metal performance (2005) for “Before I Forget.” It was one of seven Grammy nominations he received for his work with the band. Slipknot has received three more nods since Jordison exited the group.

 

Also, while Jordison was still with the group, Slipknot earned three top 10s on the Billboard 200. Slipknot also claimed four top 10s on Mainstream Rock Airplay while Jordison was with the group.