Jay Weinberg Releases Statement After Being Let Go From Slipknot

Drummer Jay Weinberg has released a statement since the annoucment was made that he had been let go from heavy metal act Slipknot. Weinberg joined the band in 2014 for the band’s fifth album, .5: The Gray Chapter, replacing the band’s original drummer Joey Jordison.

You can view the full statement below. A replacement for Weinberg has not yet been announced. Slipknot’s lineup currently consists of percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan, guitarists Mick Thomson and Jim Root, lead vocalist Corey Taylor, turntable DJ Sid Wilson, bassist Alessando Venturella, and percussionist Michael Pfaff. The band has recruited a musician to perform sampling and keyboard duties previously filled by longtime member Craig Jones, but that musician’s identity is still unknown.

I sometimes wonder what it would be like to pay a visit to my wide-eyed, 10-year-old self - falling head over heels in love with a new and exciting sound and culture - and tell him about the last 10 years. Even on the hardest days, I’d like to think he’d be stoked about the adventure that was in store for him.

I was heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call that I did on the morning of November 5th; the news of which, most of you learned shortly after. However, I’ve been overwhelmed by - and truly grateful for - the outpouring of love and support I’ve received from this incredible community I consider to be my creative and artistic home.

This is not the end to the journey I’d dreamt of, and committed myself to seeing through - not by a long shot. But, despite the confusion and sadness, there is something that’s provided an equal amount of comfort. For many of you reading this: 10 years ago, we weren’t yet acquainted. And now, we are. For that, I’m thankful in ways I’ll never be able to fully express.

I love playing the drums. I’ll always love playing the drums. I’ll always have a passion for music, art, and creative expression. Nothing will ever change that.

I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but I look forward to creating loud, passionate, and heartfelt music that we enjoy together again. Until then, please know it’s been the joy of a lifetime to spend the last 10 years with you, sharing in our love for this special corner of the music and art world.

This isn’t the end, and I’m thrilled to discover what the future has in store for us.

Thank you.

-Jay