Joey Jordison, founding member and drummer of the American metal band Slipknot, has died at the age of 46
Sylvie Claire / July 28, 2021
The founding member and drummer of the American metal band Slipknot, Joey Jordison, died Monday at the age of 46, several U.S. media outlets reported, including Rolling Stone and CNN, citing a representative of his relatives.
The 40-year-old died peacefully in his sleep, according to this spokesman who did not specify a cause of death.
The death of Joey leaves us with an empty heart and a feeling of indescribable sadness,say his relatives in a statement, which asks friends, fans and journalists to respect their privacy. A private funeral ceremony is planned.
The drummer, who also helped write the band's lyrics, founded Slipknot in 1995 in Des Moines, Iowa.
The band became popular in the late 90s with its dark and chaotic image, with members usually appearing masked. Slipknot has sold millions of records worldwide, although it has been controversial because of its violent lyrics.
The band announced it was parting ways with drummer Jordison in 2013, who later confirmed he had a neurological condition.
Bassist Paul Gray, another founding member, died of an overdose at the age of 38.