Since its inception in 1999, Slipknot has been known for its large lineups—almost always nine members. Despite major changes over the years, frontman Corey Taylor seems like an irreplaceable member — or maybe not?
Bassist Paul Gray tragically passed away in 2010, and drummer Joey Jordison (who later died in 2021) parted ways with the band in 2013. In recent years, percussionist Chris Fehn and keyboardist Craig Jones have been fired from masked metal. Each time, Slipknot finds a replacement and sticks around as a band.
in a new interview rock antenna (see below), Corey Taylor discusses the future of Slipknot and what it might look like if other longtime members, including himself, decide to quit.
Taylor hypothesized that if he were to retire from Slipknot, he would be happy to find his replacement. Of course, this will only happen if all remaining and current members of the band join and continue under the Slipknot banner.
“Honestly, if they want to continue and I want to retire, I’ll help them find someone,” Taylor said. “This band has always been greater than the sum of its parts. It was hard for us to move on without Paul. It was hard for us to move on when we had to part ways with Joey. When the original nine wasn’t the original nine It’s always difficult when you’re playing, but at the same time, these guys are here because we love it and we always get something out of it.”
Taylor, 49, says he remains 100 per cent committed to continuing as Slipknot’s lead singer, but thinks he may only have five years left to fully tour in that capacity, given the physical demands of the band’s live performances .
“As long as I can do it, as long as people can see it, I’ll keep doing it,” the singer continued. “Now, if the quality starts to drop, then I know it’s time to hand it over. And I’ve thought about it — I’ve thought about it, maybe I’ve got five years left of actual touring like this.”
That said, the singer has built a parallel career with Stone Sour and his own solo work, and has picked up a bit over the past few years, if he’s going to hang up the mask.
“I’ve said it from day one — if I don’t want to do slipknot, I won’t do it,” Taylor said. “I think I’ve proven it. The reason I’m going is because I want to do it. There’s still something in my heart and soul that needs it. I don’t know if that’s good or bad. Obviously, therapy Will help me out with this. But at the same time, this… this is really a once in a lifetime, man.”
A potential candidate to one day replace Slipknot as frontman is Taylor’s lookalike son, Griffin Taylor, who is currently the frontman of Vending. The 20-year-old has quickly proven he has the ability and stage presence to fill the coveted position if he gets the call.
For now, Corey Taylor will be juggling his musical commitments over the next few months, as Slipknot has set US festival dates for July (Rock Festival and Inkcarceration) and September (Blue Ridge Rock Festival) .He will also be on a solo tour in support of his upcoming second solo album CMF2.Get Slipknot Tickets hereand Taylor’s personal date here.
The full interview with Corey Taylor is below.