Image: Slipknot [Jonathan Weiner]
The Slipknot 25th Anniversary Tour is about to kick off in the EU. Tomorrow, December 5, the first show takes place in Amsterdam, followed by three concerts in Germany and one in Switzerland, leading over to France and the UK:
- 5 Dec - Amsterdam, NL - Ziggo Dome
- 6 Dec - Dortmund, DE: Westfalenhalle
- 8 Dec - Stuttgart, DE: Schleyerhalle
- 9 Dec - Leipzig, DE: Quarterback Immobilien Arena
- 11 Dec - Zurich, CH - Hallenstadion
- 12 Dec - Paris, FR - Accor Arena
- 14 Dec - Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena
- 15 Dec - Glasgow, UK - Ovo Hydro
- 17 Dec - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
- 18 Dec - Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena
- 20 Dec - London, UK - O2 Arena
- 21 Dec - London, UK - O2 Arena
For fans who’ve already seen photos and videos from the U.S. shows, nostalgia is likely hitting hard. For the 25th birthday of their debut, Slipknot are following the concept: back to the roots. The old jumpsuits are making a comeback, classic mask designs have been revived with new twists, and tracks from their debut album, long absent from live performances, are now back on the setlist, including "Scissors" and "No Life"!
For Maggots, this sounds like an absolute celebration. Corey Taylor's new mask, showcased in one of our Instagram polls, was a fan favorite, beating out all other designs!
Despite the throwback vibe, it's clear that something is different. Slipknot has evolved. Lineup changes are undeniable, and many former members are sorely missed - not just by fans but also by the band itself.
Clown Reflects: Paul And Joey Were A Big Part Of The Debut
Shawn "Clown" Crahan is currently the only remaining founding member of Slipknot. Even by the release of their self-titled debut, the lineup had already shifted. The configuration of Corey Taylor on vocals, Mick Thomson and Jim Root on guitars, Paul Gray on bass, Joey Jordison on drums, Clown and Chris Fehn on percussion, Sid Wilson on the turntables, and Craig Jones on samples is likely etched in the memories of most fans from those early days.
Since then, the band has faced several tragedies. Paul Gray tragically passed away in 2010 due to an accidental overdose. Joey Jordison was dismissed from the band in late 2013 and later died in 2021 from a spinal cord condition.
Over the years, additional members have been replaced one by one. While Alex Venturella (bass), Michael Pfaff (percussion), Jeff Karnowski (sampling), and Eloy Casagrande (drums) - formerly of Sepultura - bring fresh energy to the group, it’s clear that these changes have led the band in new directions.
In an interview with Metal Hammer, Clown candidly admitted that celebrating the anniversary hasn’t been easy without Paul and Joey. Both contributed significantly to the band’s music and are deeply missed.
Clown On The Band's Evolution
Clown has been open about the fact that Slipknot is not as close-knit as it once was. He also maintains a realistic perspective: when times change, the band changes, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“Brother, the band will never be like that again.
I can’t tell you how close we were then: we’re not that close anymore. People are gone. Craig’s out. Chris is out, Joey’s out, Paul’s out. The band is different. But, back then, there was nine guys that wanted to be in the same place, and we made it work. And we wound up here, and here is wonderful.”
