Slipknot sued for allegedly profiting over late drummer’s death

Joey Jordison’s estate is suing Slipknot, alleging that the band made money off of the drummer’s passing ten years

after the original member was expelled.

Page Six was able to get the lawsuit, which names Michael Shawn “Clown” Crahan and Corey Taylor as band

members. The lawsuit alleges that the band members utilised Jordan’s passing to increase sales of their 2022 album,

“The End, So Far.”

“After the passing of the great drummer, fans, family, and friends grieved his loss, yet neither bandmate sent their

sympathies to Jordison’s family. Rather, the documents claim that Taylor and Crahan ruthlessly tried to make

money out of Jordison’s passing.

Taylor stated that the realisation of Jordison’s passing “crept in” during the recording of “The End, So Far,” which

she publicly dedicated to her. During an interview, Taylor admitted to followers that he and Crahan had abused

Jordan, saying, “It’s one of those things that tells you: whatever you need to do, do it now, because you never know

when you’re gonna lose somebody.”

The metal band is accused by Jordison’s estate, Steamroller, LLC, of misusing his possessions at their travelling

museum, Knotfest, and of never returning his apparel, gear, or musical instruments.

The lawsuit states that Taylor and Crahan “expressly promised in a written agreement to return all of Jordison’s

belongings in exchange for Jordison’s promise to release certain claims against them after abruptly kicking Jordison

out of Slipknot in 2013.”

“Jordison was unaware that [they] had signed the contract knowing they would never fulfil their end of the bargain,

and they purposefully misled Jordison about the fact that they had many more of his belongings that they had never

given back.”

“Defendants generally deny each and every allegation and purported claim set forth in Plaintiff’s First Amended

Complaint and further deny that Plaintiff is entitled to any relief whatsoever,” Slipknot’s legal team answered in

court documents, requesting that the action be dismissed.

Page Six has contacted Knotfest and band representatives for additional information.

At the age of 46, Jordison, the original drummer and co-founder of Slipknot, passed away in July 2021 from

transverse myelitis, a severe neurological illness. He has performed with bands and musicians including Metallica,

Rob Zombie, and Korn over the years. He was also the drummer and guitarist for Scar the Martyr and Murderdolls,

respectively.

Together with bassist Paul Grey and percussionist Crahan, the late musician co-founded Slipknot in 1995. The band

had nine members at the height of its popularity: Jordison, Taylor, Crahan, Grey, Craig Jones, Mick Thomson, Sid

Wilson, Chris Fehn, and Jim Root. Over the years, the lineup has changed a few times.

In December 2013, Slipknot made the announcement on their website that they were “parting ways” with Jordison.

“Joey Jordan and Slipknot are splitting up for personal reasons, and we do so with deep sadness but with calm

respect. The band released a statement saying, “We all wish Joey the best in whatever his future holds.”

“Our motivation to keep going and push through with our plans for releasing new material in the upcoming year

comes from our love for all of you and the music we make.”