Slipknot Drummer “I Did Not Quit The Band”

Following the news of his shock departure from Slipknot last month, former drummer Joey Jordison has revealed that he did not quit the band.

In a statement issued via Metal Hammer Jordison stops short of saying he was fired, however, does reveal that he was “shocked and blindsided” by the news. His full statement reads:

“To my fans, friends, and associates… I would like to start the New Year by addressing the recent rumours and speculation regarding my departure from Slipknot. I want to make it very clear that I DID NOT QUIT SLIPKNOT. This band has been my life for the last 18 years, and I would never abandon it, or my fans. This news has shocked and blindsided me as much as it has all of you. While there is much I would like to say, I must remain silent to further details at this time. I would like to thank you all for your unwavering love and support, and wish everyone a very happy and healthy new year.”

Jordison’s revelations fly in the face of the original announcement of his departure, which said that that the drummer and band were parting ways “for personal reasons”, indicating he had left Slipknot of his own volition. Many fans began to question the real reason behind his departure when frontman Corey Taylor somewhat cryptically commented on the situation in a recent radio interview, saying: “Legally and respectfully, I can’t say a lot about it. We’re trying to protect him, protect us – just making sure we do everything right.”

Jordison has recently been working with a side project called Scar The Martyr, who stoked rumours they were part of the Soundwave lineup by mentioning an Australian tour set for February of 2014.

Slipknot are currently working on their forthcoming fifth album. Jordison’s side project grew out of experimenting in the studio after hours while working on demos earlier this year, and guitarist Jim Root, who also plays in Stone Sour, had to sit out that band’s last tour to work on new Slipknot material. No release date or news of a replacement for Jordison has been announced.