Shawn 'Clown' Crahan explains why Slipknot fired Jay Weinberg
The drummer was ousted in November
Last updated 15th Dec 2023
Slipknot percussionist and co-founding member Shawn 'Clown' Crahan has spoken for the first time about drummer Jay Weinberg’s shock firing from the band.
Maggots across the globe were flabbergasted on 5th November when Slipknot dropped the surprise news that they had parted ways with Jay Weinberg after a decade due to “creative” reasons.
Jay Weinberg, who is the son of long-standing Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg, issued a statement a week later saying he was “heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call” confirming he was being fired by the band.
In a new interview with NME to promote Slipknot’s 25th anniversary December 2024 UK tour, Clown confirmed that Weinberg didn’t leave Slipknot on his own accord.
“As far as Jay goes, what people need to know is Jay did not leave the band, and what I want to say is that we’re moving on,” Clown said.
“Like the statement said, we’re choosing to do something different. This space that we’re at right now is a very, very special space, thought about and generated mostly by the OGs (long standing members Clown, Corey Taylor, Mick Thompson, Sid Wilson and Jim Root).”
Clown also said that despite a turbulent past six months, which has also seen the exit of Craig Jones, Slipknot are in a good place: “Now, we are in a place that we never imagined we would be 25 years on. We’re standing really strong and we’re better as people.
“I think all of us are really, really happy about what we’re creating to the point where we’re scared a little bit. That fear is what we live for and that’s what we’ve always done. That’s why we’re still here.”
He continued: “As far as the new album, that’s happening, but that’s another plan. These live dates are coming first and we’re here to have a good time.
“This band has never been happier, and that takes a lot because we’ve been through a lot — drugs, women, money, fame, ego, isolation. But we are on track.”
Elsewhere in the chat, Clown said that Slipknot’s ‘lost’ album will finally land in 2024: “It’s definitely arriving next year. You have my word. The art’s been done. It’s been mixed. It’s been mastered. It is definitely coming out in 2024 and it’s such a great album.
“Corey is my favourite singer ever, and you’ll never hear him sing in the same way as on this album, so it’s been worth holding it back. It’s such a different, timeless project.”
Due to phenomenal demand, Slipknot added a second date at London’s The O2 to their UK arena tour this morning (15th December). Head to Planet Rock Tickets to check ticket availability.
Slipknot's UK tour dates:
DECEMBER 2024
Leeds First Direct Arena – Sat 14th
Glasgow OVO Hydro – Sun 15th
Manchester Co-op Live Arena – Tue 17th
Birmingham Utilita Arena – Wed 18th
London The O2 – Fri 20th
London The O2 – Sat 21st
Buy Slipknot tickets
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