Maniacs is saddened to report that Joey Jordison, co-founder and original drummer of Slipknot, has passed away at age 46. His family have issued a statement sharing that Jordison, "Passed away peacefully in his sleep."

“We are heartbroken to share the news that Joey Jordison, prolific drummer, musician and artist passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26, 2021. He was 46,” the statement reads. “Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow. To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music. The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time. The family will hold a private funeral service and asks the media and public to respect their wishes.”

Joey Jordison co-founded Slipknot in 1995 with percussionist Shawn Crahan.  He played on some of their biggest tracks including Wait And Bleed, Spit It Out, (515), People = Shit, The Heretic Anthem, Duality, and countless others.  The band was nominated for multiple Grammys for Best Metal Performance and Best Hard Rock Performance during his tenure with Slipknot eventually winning  Best Metal Performance for Before I Forget in 2006.

Jordison left in 2013 and formed new band Scar the Martyr with former Nine Inch Nails drummer Chris Vrenna on keyboards. He was also the Murderdolls guitarist and backing vocalist between 2002 - 2004 and 2010 - 2011. 

He was the drummer for blackened death metal act, Sinsaenum, at the time of his passing, and also performed alongside Bad Wolves bassist Kyle Konkiel in heavy metal band Vimic.

It comes as no surprise we named the metal icon as one of the 13 Best Metal Drummers last year, and it was only a year ago he reflected on the making of their debut self-titled album which turned 22 recently.

The Maniacs team send our deepest condolences to Joey's family and friends, as well as his fans within the metal community.