The metal band Slipknot once again has to deal with a dark chapter in their past: The estate of Joey Jordison (1975-2021), co-founder and former drummer, is suing the band around frontman Corey Taylor (50). The accusation: Slipknot enriched itself from Jordison’s property and exploited his death to unfairly boost record sales.
What exactly happened? In 2013, co-founder and drummer Joey Jordison left the metal band Slipknot – whether voluntarily or not was never fully clarified publicly. The only fact is: the musician suffered from a rare spinal cord disease and could no longer move his left leg properly. The band subsequently portrayed his departure as a voluntary decision on Jordison’s part. The drummer publicly objected and claimed that he had been unscrupulously kicked out of the band. In 2021, Jordison died unexpectedly in his sleep at just 46 years old.
According to information from the “TMZ” portal, the lawsuit claims that the 2022 album “The End, So Far” did not sell well, which is why Jordison’s death was exploited to increase revenues. Among other things, it was claimed that dealing with Jordison’s death played a major role during the production of the record. The album was later publicly dedicated to the late drummer. However, according to the lawsuit, all of this is just a set-up.
Taylor and Co. also did not contact the family as stated to express their condolences after his death. Jordison claimed during his lifetime that Slipknot kicked him out via email. As a result, however, Jordison and the remaining Slipknot members agreed that his property – including his drum equipment – should be returned to him. However, according to the lawsuit, “at least 22 items” are still in the band’s possession. Including his masks that the band wears during live performances and his Adidas sneakers.
Some of these items are also part of a traveling exhibition that Slipknot presents at various locations. Slipknot has already responded and denies the allegations. The band’s lawyers asked that the lawsuit be dismissed.
