It's going to take quite a bit for me to write this, because the wound is still fresh. Ridiculously so. Minutes old. Prolific drummer, musician and artist Joey Jordison had passed away age 46 in his sleep. It feels so alien to type that, to announce that your drumming idol, someone who helped you fall back in love with a hobby you had left years behind you is no longer there is such an odd feeling. I put on Slipknot tonight, just before the news was announced, and it was midway through (sic) that I learnt the news. As i looked down at my phone, and tears filled my eyes, i could hear his drumming, his art in my ears. It's almost like he was speaking to me in that very moment. I may be gone, but look at the amazing things I've left you with. Fuck.
Joey was one of the founding members of Slipknot, the original nine. After joining the group, Paul Grey and Shaun Crahan would go to the local Sinclaire gas station he worked at and discussed their visions of the bands evolving. Sometimes writing, sometimes tapping out rhythms to each other, sometimes planning their next live spectacle. That hallowed ground at 1am was the birthplace of so much of Slipknot that soon came to fruition onstage or off, he was then aptly given #1. The soul, beating heart of the band was Joey, especially during the opening two records. His brain and music talents helped evolve the band to new heights, and the band will forever be in debt to him and his creative talent.
Let's talk about his performances, because that's where Joey really comes into his own. Who else remembers the revolving stage he used to play on? Strapped to his chair as he rotates and just beats the shit out of the drums, never missing a beat, never lacking on the crashing of a cymbal. Even through his illness he continued, using every ounce of his remaining strength to play live, not wanting to let the fans or the community down. My highlights as far as songs go are the entirety of Slipknot (1999), Vendetta, Gematria, Everything Ends, My Plague, there are so many more. Iowa, Vol.3, fuck it their entire discography with him as part of the line-up. Joey has such a violent style, willing to just take to those drums no matter what, and crash out such a beat, such a sound. His talent is undeniable, and such is his legacy that he leaves to fans now.
His look has always been one which has resonated with me for a number of reasons. His iconic 59 Caesar paintjobs were always beautiful to look at, with every single change being one that enhanced the look of the mask. It bought personality to the originally blank mask from the self titled era, and defined Joey's personality, as well as his stage persona simultaneously, the blank face but eyes filled with life and emotion, the window to a legends soul. His look has always inspired me, due to its androgyny and willingness to stand out and reject societal norms with what he wears. Full faces of makeup on stage, dresses, pearls, wearing his hair long with dye of all colours, his nails painted and eyeliner done. Stereotypically feminine things made Joey not only look amazing, but embody the spirit of someone who didn't care what they looked like, but only cared that it made them happy, and that's inspired a lot of my choices to dress as I do and present myself. He not only revived my love for drums, but though his own style and unique way, helped me become myself and embrace my own identity. I will always owe Joey that, and to this day, and past it, ill thank him for giving me the confidence to do what I do.
And so, i say goodbye to my drumming icon Joey Jordison. His posters are going to stay firmly on my wall for so many amazing reasons. In cases like these, where as of now we have no clue why he died as of yet, its nice to focus on the positives. His performances inspired me to pick back up the sticks, inspired me to be myself, and in the process made me fall in love with some amazing music. Thank you for all you did for everyone Joey, and I will sorely miss you. Every maggot heart is broken, and it will take some time for them all to heal. I don't, in truth, think they will, but what you left behind is inspirational. Fuck, more than that, monumental. #1 in my heart forever. Nothing will ever change that. Ever.
R.I.P Joey Jordison - An icon gone far too soon - 1975-2021 - #1
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