In a surprising announcement, Slipknot, the iconic heavy metal band, revealed via social media that they have officially parted ways with their keyboardist, Craig Jones.
This news has left fans in a state of shock and speculation, as the band did not provide any specific reasons for Jones’ departure. The timing of this announcement raises questions about his potential replacement for the upcoming European tour, set to kick off tonight at the Nova Rock festival in Austria.
Throughout Slipknot’s career, Jones maintained an enigmatic persona, rarely speaking publicly and adding an air of mystery to the band’s dynamic. Lead vocalist Corey Taylor once humorously alluded to Jones as an android or a secret serial killer, highlighting the stark contrast between his silent presence and his rare, impactful statements.
What may be most odd about the situation is that Slipknot’s social team ended up deleting the post about Craig leaving. One Redditor explained: “I have no idea whats going on they could have been hacked or so i have no idea. edit: maybe they were planning to announce after the europe tour but they accidently posted it too early.”
To which someone chimed in: “Maybe they deleted the post to rephrase the announcement better and explain the situation, bc of all the backlash it got and the fact that we’ve been given no explanation whatsoever.”
It’s worth noting that Jones’ possible departure from Slipknot not only signifies the end of an era but also leaves a void in the band’s lineup. Slipknot fans are left to wonder whether Jones will be replaced for the upcoming tour or if the band will explore new creative directions with their existing members. The keyboardist’s unique contributions to the band’s sound and his longstanding presence will undoubtedly be missed.
Coinciding with the news of Jones’s departure, Slipknot percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan announced that he would be sitting out some upcoming tour dates to support his wife through health issues. This adds an additional layer of uncertainty and concern among Slipknot’s dedicated fanbase.
