Slipknot announces it is parting ways with Craig Jones, new mystery member debuts in Austria

On June 7, Slipknot announced that it is parting ways with keyboardist Craig Jones who had joined the band in 1996. The metal outfit did not reveal the reason behind the sudden split and the social media post with the announcement was almost immediately removed.

Moreover, just shortly after revealing Craig Jones’ departure, the band debuted a new mystery member on the stage in Austria gig on Wednesday. On June 8, Slipknot shared a video on social media platforms with ‘Slipknot’ in the background. Earlier, the now-deleted post of June 7 had stated, “To our fans, Slipknot is announcing that we have parted ways with Craig Jones. We Wish Jones all the best for the future”. Following the post, the band kickstarted European Tour on Wednesday night at the NOva Rock festival in Austria.



Craig Jones joined the band in 1996 and initially, he used to handle the guitar to replace Donnie Steele. However, Jones then moved to become the keyboardist and even did sampling. He was also known as #5 and was famous for his Hellraiser-like spiked mask. He came into the metal outfit a year after Slipknot was founded. He appears on all previous album covers by the band except its early demo full-length ‘Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.’

It is to note that Jones’ departure follows percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan announcing that he would be missing Slipknot’s shows in near future as he wanted to take care of his wife.

In the last ten years, Iowa band Slipknot has introduced several changes in its lineup. After Paul Gray passed away in 2010, Alessandro Venturella took over bass duties. Drummer Joey Jordison was removed from the band in 2013 before his demise in 2021. Drumming duties were handled by Jay Weinberg. Michael Pfaff stepped in as percussionist after Chris Fehn was released in 2019.

FAQs

1. When was Slipknot formed?
   1995
2. What was Criag Jones in Slipknot?
   Drummer