A week after he was let go by Slipknot, drummer Jay Weinberg has broken his silence via an emotional social media post. The musician says he was “heartbroken and blindsided” by the band’s decision to fire him.
Last Sunday (November 5th), Slipknot announced, “We would like to thank Jay Weinberg for his dedication and passion over the past ten years. No one can ever replace Joey Jordison’s original sound, style or energy, but Jay honored Joey’s parts and contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it. But as ever, Slipknot is intent on evolving. The band has decided to make a creative decision, and to part ways with Jay. We wish Jay all the best and are very excited for what the future holds.”
On Saturday (November 11th), Jay issued his own statement, writing the following via his Instagram page:
“I sometimes wonder what it would be like to pay a visit to my wide-eyed, 10-year-old self — falling head over heels in love with a new and exciting sound and culture — and tell him all about the last 10 years. Even on the hardest days, I’d like to think he’d be stoked about the adventure that was in store for him.
I was heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call that I did on the morning of November 5th; the news of which, most of you learned shortly after. However, I’ve been overwhelmed by — and truly grateful for — the outpouring of love and support I’ve received from this incredible community I consider to be my creative and artistic home.
This is not the ending to the journey I’d dreamt of, and committed myself to seeing through — not by a long shot. But, despite the confusion and sadness, there is something that’s provided an equal amount of comfort. For many of you reading this: 10 years ago, we weren’t yet acquainted. And now, we are. For that, I’m thankful in ways I’ll never be able to fully express.
I love playing the drums. I’ll always love playing the drums. I’ll always have a passion for music, art, and creative expression. Nothing will ever change that.
I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but I look forward to creating loud, passionate, and heartfelt music that we enjoy together again. Until then, please know it’s been the joy of a lifetime to spend the last 10 years with you, sharing in our love for this special corner of the music and art world.
This isn’t the end, and I’m thrilled to discover what the future has in store for us.
Thank you.”
As Weinberg alluded to in his post, he was a fan of Slipknot long before he replaced founding drummer Joey Jordison in 2014. In fact, a few years ago, he recreated a photo of meeting the masked band as a kid with his father, E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg. Prior to joining Slipknot, Jay was a member of the band Against Me!
In the comments section of his Instagram post, Weinberg received encouragement from a few notable drummers.
Mike Portnoy, who recently returned to Dream Theater after a 13-year absence, wrote, “This is only the end of one chapter…you have MANY MORE to write Bro!! Always have your back.”
Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum remarked, “You’re just beginning pal, in life …one door shuts and another one opens. Life is hills and valleys and you’ve climbed the mountain to the top. It’s what makes us grateful and as a journeyman drummer myself more will be revealed!! The future is bright for you and all of us, can’t wait to see the next adventure !! Rock on Brother.”
As of now, Slipknot have not named a replacement for Weinberg. The band notoriously doesn’t officially announce new members. Instead, they are usually outed by Internet sleuths.
Slipknot so far have two gigs lined up for 2024 — one at the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas on April 27th, and another at the Welcome to Rockville fest in Daytona Beach, Florida, on May 12th.
See Jay Weinberg’s Instagram post below.