In a poignant twist to their headline show at the Sonic Temple Festival, Slipknot faced the absence of their famed percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan due to medical reasons last weekend. The iconic masked band delivered a compelling 14-track performance at the Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio, despite Clown’s unexpected dental emergency.
Frontman Corey Taylor addressed the crowd early in the set, revealing that Clown had broken a tooth and underwent a removal procedure just a day before the festival. “There is an issue. He had to stay home for medical reasons, but he insisted that we come here and play this show for each and every one of you,” Taylor shared, underscoring Clown’s dedication to their fans.
The emotional highlight of the evening was when Taylor prompted the audience to vocalise their love for the absent band member, reinforcing his indispensable role within the group. The band then charged into a vibrant performance of ‘Before I Forget’ from their 2004 album ‘Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)’.
This isn’t the first time health issues have sidelined Clown; in 2021, he missed a performance due to a torn bicep tendon surgery following an incident at Knotfest in LA.
Amidst lineup changes, Slipknot recently welcomed new drummer Eloy Casagrande, formerly of Sepultura, marking a new chapter with the debut track ‘Long May You Die’. Casagrande’s addition follows the departure of Jay Weinberg and Craig Jones, reshaping the band’s dynamic as they move forward.
Their latest album, ‘The End, So Far’, released in September 2022, signifies their last project with Roadrunner Records, hinting at new beginnings for the band. In a candid interview last December, Clown expressed an eagerness to return to more intimate venues and direct engagements with fans, deviating from their usual tour pattern.
Looking ahead, Slipknot is set to embark on their ‘Here Comes The Pain’ 25th anniversary North American tour this August, with special guests including Knocked Loose. The tour promises to be a monumental return to the band’s roots and a celebration of their quarter-century legacy.
European and UK fans can anticipate the tour reaching their shores in December, with tickets still available for performances in Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, and two nights at The O2 in London.
With a promise of an “explosive” performance and unparalleled spectacle, Slipknot’s forthcoming shows are poised to reinforce their indelible impact on the metal scene, as they continue to evolve and connect with fans across the globe.
