It appears that fresh masks are being designed for SLIPKNOT’s upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration of their 1999 self-titled debut album
Yesterday (March 1st), Corey Taylor, SLIPKNOT‘s lead vocalist, unveiled a snapshot depicting what seems to be him undergoing the molding process for his new mask.
Taylor posted the pic to social media, accompanied by the hashtag “#25.” SLIPKNOT then reshared the image on their stories.
Speculation looms regarding whether these masks will harken back to the band’s original self-titled era. Considering the discomfort the band members endured with their masks during that time and the toll taken on them by continuous touring, it’s unlikely that they’ll revisit the exact originals.
As the band gears up for their 25th-anniversary tour, rumors swirl that they’ve enlisted former Sepultura drummer Eloy Casagrande to join them behind the drum kit.
Casagrande‘s departure from SEPULTURA comes just two months after the band announced plans for a global “farewell tour” to commemorate their 40th anniversary in 2024.
SEPULTURA recently released the following statement via social media: “The ‘Celebrating Life Through Death’ tour, a farewell tour over the next 18 months that will celebrate the band’s 40th anniversary and also its farewell to the stage.
“Beginning of December the group clearly defined the intention at the announcement, it is a ‘conscious and planned death’. As poetic as it sounds, a tour of this magnitude took nearly of year of preparing and planning which would require a lot commitment, ethics and loyalty to their fans, as well as respecting for the band’s history — something that is a clear priority to Andreas Kisser, Derrick Green and Paulo Xisto.
“However, on February 6th a few days prior to the first rehearsal, drummer Eloy Casagrande informed the band that he was leaving SEPULTURA to pursue a career in another project. The band were taken by surprise, without prior warning, he immediately left the band, abandoning everything related to SEPULTURA. Luckily American virtuoso Greyson Nekrutman will take the position of Eloy Casagrande and is welcomed as the band’s new drummer for the ‘celebrating life through death’ farewell tour.”
SLIPKNOT 2024 tour dates:
04/27 Las Vegas, NV – Sick New World
05/12 Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome To Rockville
05/19 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival
09/26 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life
10/11 Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
10/19-20 Sao Paulo, BRA – Knotfest Brasil
12/05 Amsterdam, NET – Ziggo Dome
12/06 Dortmund, GER – Westfalenhalle
12/08 Stuttgart, GET – Schleyerhalle
12/09 Leipzig, GER – Quarterback Immobilen Arena
12/11 Zurich, SWI – Hallenstadion
12/12 Paris, FRA – Accor Arena
12/14 Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
12/15 Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
12/17 Manchester, UK – Co-Op Live Arena
12/18 Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
12/20 London, UK – O2 Arena
12/21 London, UK – O2 Arena
SLIPKNOT‘s turntablist, Sid Wilson, has also stirred anticipation among fans by urging them to “bid farewell” and hinting at a “new look” for the pioneering nu-metal band. The 46-year-old DJ took to social media back on January 15, suggesting a potential unveiling of a fresh mask and a new era for the group. However, in the wake of the dismissals of sampler Craig “133” Jones and drummer Jay Weinberg in 2023, Wilson‘s cryptic remarks sparked concerns among fans, leading to speculations about his potential departure from SLIPKNOT.
“Say goodbye to this guy and get ready for the new look 👀 #cantstopwontstop @slipknot,” Sid captioned along with the image on his social media.
Sid‘s comments ignited a reaction from fans, initially concerned that Wilson was departing SLIPKNOT.
These teasers align with the band’s recent statements, especially following the termination of drummer Max Weinberg in November 2023, characterized as a “creative decision” upon announcement. Weinberg expressed feeling “blindsided” by the news in a subsequent social media post. Percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan further emphasized these hints of a significant creative shift during an interview with NME in December.
“As far as Jay goes, what people need to know is Jay did not leave the band, and what I want to say is that we’re moving on,” he said.
“Like the statement said, we’re choosing to do something different. This space that we’re at right now is a very, very special space, thought about and generated mostly by the OGs [longstanding members Corey Taylor, Mick Thomson, Sid Wilson and Jim Root].”
While SLIPKNOT showcased the replacement mask for Jones on social media in June, the new member’s identity remains undisclosed. No public information has been disclosed regarding the planned replacement for Weinberg. Nevertheless, the band is set to embark on a UK and European tour in December, commemorating the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, featuring full performances of the LP. The Scottish metalcore powerhouse, BLEED FROM WITHIN, will provide support for the tour. Additionally, select festival shows have been confirmed for the upcoming spring.
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