One of the greatest percussionists in all of rock and metal passed away recently. Joey Jordison/#1, the man who stepped mainstream metal drumming up to heights unknown, died as the young age of 46.
Jordison, like the band he’s best known for playing in, was from Des Moines, Iowa. And was a significant figure in propelling the midwest metal scene to a mainstream level. Joining the band in 1995, his impact was immediate. Slipknot’s 1999 debut album was a first of its kind. Seamlessly melding extreme metal (death, thrash and speed) with tints of grunge and nu metal. The latter subgenre shined through and Slipknot were quickly labeled a nu metal band. But the reality is that they were their own entity. And they continue to be to this day.
Jordison played on the first four Slipknot albums. As well as having a few side projects (Murderdolls). I particularly remember the fourth album ‘All Hope is Gone’ like it was yesterday. It was such a massive record. It was unavoidable. He also produced the bands 2005 live album, ‘9.0: Live.’ In 2013, Slipknot and Jordison announced their separation. He went on to form Scar the Martyr, Vimic and Sinsaenum.
Around 2010, Jordison started to experience minor loss of control of his limbs. A few years later he was diagnosed with acute transverse myelitis. A progressive, degenerative neurological disorder. At one point, he lost the complete use of his left leg. Which as anyone can imagine, would be extremely harrowing for any drummer. But he gained it back with hard work, determination and sheer will. Unfortunately, Jordison couldn’t hang on. And on July 27, 2021, Jordison’s family announced his departure from this earth.
His legacy will live on for generations. There aren’t too many drummers that have inspired more young people to pick up drumsticks in the past 20 or so years than Joey Jordison. And his playing will continue to inspire more and more drummers as the years go by. Forever immortalizing his spirit.
