Slipknot, the infamous and influential heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa, has long been known for its intensity, both musically and personally. With their signature mix of aggressive riffs, chaotic percussion, and masks that hide the identities of their members, the band’s appeal has been as much about their mysterious personas and wild performances as it has about their music itself. However, recent comments from percussionist and founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan suggest that the current state of the band may be evolving in ways fans may not have expected.
In a candid interview, Crahan opened up about the inner dynamics of Slipknot and how things have shifted over the years. He notably remarked, “We’re not that close anymore,” a statement that caught many off guard given the band’s reputation for having a tightly-knit, almost family-like bond. In this article, we’ll explore Crahan’s comments, the history of the band’s relationships, and what these recent words might mean for Slipknot’s future.
The Early Days of Slipknot: Brotherhood in Chaos
When Slipknot first emerged in the late ’90s, it was clear that the band was different. While many bands in the heavy metal scene were defined by a few key members or a specific musical direction, Slipknot presented themselves as a collective force. The band’s nine members — each with their own distinctive mask and persona — created a sense of unity that was palpable. Their music, filled with extreme metal, industrial elements, and aggressive rhythms, matched their chaotic image. The band’s early albums, like *Slipknot* (1999) and *Iowa* (2001), depicted not just a band, but a gang of misfits bonded by a shared love for music and a shared ethos of rebellion.
Crahan, as one of the founding members, was deeply involved in the creative direction of Slipknot from the start. Along with percussionist Chris Fehn (who was later ousted in 2019), Crahan was a core figure in shaping the band’s chaotic and theatrical live shows, as well as its unique identity. In interviews from those early years, the members often spoke about their strong camaraderie, both on stage and off. The band’s bond was integral to their success and image.
Shifting Dynamics: The First Signs of Strain
However, as the years went on and Slipknot’s fame grew, so did the pressures on the band. With their success came not just more touring, but also greater expectations, tensions, and creative differences. Slipknot’s later albums, including *Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)* (2004) and *All Hope Is Gone* (2008), reflected a more mature sound, and the band’s interpersonal relationships began to evolve.
During this time, Slipknot went through a few major shifts. Most notably, the death of bassist Paul Gray in 2010 had a profound impact on the band, both personally and professionally. Gray’s death was a devastating blow to the members of Slipknot, and it left an emotional hole in the group. The band went on hiatus for several years after that, leaving fans uncertain of whether they would ever return. However, when they did return with *5: The Gray Chapter* (2014), the band’s new lineup — which included bassist Alessandro “Vman” Venturella and drummer Jay Weinberg — marked the start of a new era. Although they were still committed to the band’s mission, the dynamics had irrevocably shifted.
In the years that followed, rumors of internal conflict, creative disagreements, and personal rifts began to surface. These tensions were not immediately addressed in public, as the band kept a relatively tight lid on their personal lives. However, in 2019, Chris Fehn was fired from the band after a legal dispute, further suggesting that not everything behind the scenes was as smooth as it seemed.
The Current State of the Band: “We’re Not That Close Anymore”
Clown’s recent statement that the band is no longer “that close anymore” provides insight into the current state of Slipknot. While the comment may seem alarming to fans who have always viewed Slipknot as a tightly-knit unit, it’s not entirely surprising when taken in context with the band’s history.
For one, the pressures of maintaining a band with nine members — each with their own personality, vision, and creative approach — have only grown as the band’s career has expanded. Slipknot is known for its relentless touring schedule and demanding performances, and the toll that this lifestyle takes on relationships is significant. Even when the band members are not on tour, they have to contend with the stress of managing their individual projects and personal lives.
Additionally, Crahan’s comment might reflect the reality of the band’s ever-changing lineup. Slipknot’s core may have remained intact with Crahan, vocalist Corey Taylor, guitarist Jim Root, and percussionist/sampler Sid Wilson, but the band has gone through notable changes over the years. Some of these departures were amicable, but others, like Fehn’s exit, were more contentious.
Despite these changes, Crahan is quick to acknowledge that Slipknot’s strength lies in its ability to perform as a group, even if they don’t share the same closeness as they once did. His comment reflects a more realistic, albeit bittersweet, view of the band’s current state: they are still unified in their goal to make music and perform for their fans, but the personal connections between members may no longer be as strong as in the past. What Does This Mean for Slipknot’s Future?
While Crahan’s comment may seem like a signal of impending dissolution, it’s important to remember that Slipknot has weathered numerous challenges over the years and has always found a way to push forward. The band’s commitment to their music and to their fans remains undeniable, even if their internal dynamics have changed. Crahan’s words also reflect a certain maturity — acknowledging that relationships within the band will evolve over time, and that this evolution doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the band.
In fact, this change may be part of a larger process of reinvention for Slipknot. The band has always prided itself on its ability to grow and experiment. Each album has brought new sounds, new ideas, and new challenges, and it’s likely that Slipknot will continue to push boundaries, even if the interpersonal chemistry between the members has changed. The fans, who have been there since the beginning, are still fiercely loyal, and as long as Slipknot can continue to bring the intensity they’re known for, the music will remain at the forefront.
One thing is clear: despite Crahan’s admission that the band is not as close as they once were, Slipknot’s music still speaks to millions around the world. It’s the music that unites the band, and it’s the music that will continue to define them for years to come.
Conclusion: A Band in Transition
The current state of Slipknot is a reflection of the realities that many long-running bands face: change, evolution, and the challenge of balancing personal relationships with professional obligations. While Crahan’s statement about the band’s current lack of closeness may be disheartening to some fans, it doesn’t necessarily spell doom for the band’s future. Slipknot has proven time and again that they are more than the sum of their parts — their music, passion, and commitment to their fans will likely continue to drive them forward.
The fact that Crahan is willing to speak openly about the changing nature of the band’s relationships suggests a level of maturity and honesty that could ultimately lead to a stronger and more authentic version of Slipknot. As the band moves forward, they may not be as close as they once were, but their shared commitment to their art and their fans will continue to fuel the fire that has made them one of the most iconic and enduring acts in modern metal.