Joey Jordison, former Slipknot drummer, dead aged 46
The Slipknot, Murderdolls and Scar The Martyr drummer has passed away, his family confirms
Last updated 28th Jul 2021
Joey Jordison, one of the founding members of Slipknot, and their iconic drummer from 1995 to 2013 has passed away in his sleep aged 46, his family have confirmed.
The full statement from his family 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 statement to Billboard concludes: "The family will hold a private funeral service and asks the media and public to respect their wishes."
Joey was known for his wide range of projects and helping out fellow musicians across the metal community, from touring with Korn, Ministry and Rob Zombie, to drumming for Metallica when Lars Ulrich fell ill at Download Festival 2014.
His many friends and collaborators have been paying tribute to Jordison as the news has broken.
Members of Slipknot have simply shared a black square in commemoration of their comrade, as well as changing profile images to black circles. The official Slipknot website has also been completely blacked out:
Rob Zombie, for whom Jordison played drums on tour for almost a year, said: "So shocked to hear about the death of our friend and former bandmate Joey. He was a good dude and a monster drummer. We are gonna miss this guy."
Wednesday 13, with whom Jordison formed Murderdolls simply stated: "R.I.P. Joey Jordison. I’ll never forget you. You changed my life forever."
Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo tweeted: "I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Joey Jordison. An incredible musician and songwriter, gone way too soon. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who he touched with his talent. RIP Joey."
System of a Down's Serj Tankian: "RIP Joey J-an amazing drummer and a fantastic guy."
Papa Roach simply called Joey their brother:
Hatebreed frontman Jamey Jasta:
Trivium frontman Matthew Heafy:
In 2016 Jordison revealed that a neurological disease called acute transverse myelitis had stopped him being able to play drums towards the end of his tenure with Slipknot, and that at one point he lost the use of his leg, but recovered following rehab. It is unclear at this time if his death was related to the condition.
The thoughts of everyone at Kerrang! Radio are with Joey's family and friends at this time. RIP Joey Jordison.
Joey Jordison's life and career
Jordison, initially born Nathan Jonas Jordison, grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. Having received his first drum kit at the age of eight, he’d played in a few groups around the scene, most notably The Pale Ones, who would later change their name to Slipknot.
As one of the founding members of Slipknot, Joey had played on four of their studio albums; 1999’s self-titled Slipknot, 2001’s Iowa, 2004’s Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), 2008’s All Hope Is Gone, and produced 2005’s live album 9.0: Live, before departing the band in 2013 after suffering from the neurological disease, transverse myelitis.
In the wake of his departure from Slipknot, Jordison had formed Scar The Martyr in 2013 and enjoyed a three-year stint alongside Strapping Young Lad’s guitarist Jed Simon, Darkest Hour’s guitarist Kris Norris, bassist Kyle Konkiel, keyboardist Matthew Tarach, and Act of Defiance’s vocalist Henry Derek.
Throughout Jordison’s musical career, he’s also focused on side-project and horror punk band Murderdolls, starting in 2002. Inspired by shock rock influences Kiss and Alice Cooper, Jordison played alongside core members of Wednesday 13 and released two studio records, Beyond The Valley of The Murderdolls and Women And Children Last, up until their disbandment in 2013.
Amongst Joey’s catalogue, his sound can also be heard in performances and recordings on four tracks from Rob Zombie’s rerelease of Hellbilly Deluxe 2. He’d replaced Metallica’s drummer Lars Ulrich when he was unable to play at Download Festival 2004, and played on tour with Korn in 2007.
For his musical influence and impact in the rock and metal community, Joey Jordison was voted Best Drummer in 2010 by Rhythm Magazine, as well as winning the Best Metal Drummer award by Best Drummies. Continuing his influence, Jordison went on to achieve the title of the World’s Greatest Drummer in 2013 by Loudwire, and in 2016 won a Golden God Award at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards.
The thoughts of everyone at Kerrang! Radio are with Joey's family and friends at this time. RIP Joey Jordison.