“He’s Always in Our Hearts”: Slipknot Members Confirm Terrified Note Written by Joey Jordison Before He Passed Away
The world of heavy metal was rocked in 2021 by the untimely death of Joey Jordison, the legendary drummer and founding member of the iconic band Slipknot. Known for his blistering drumming, unique presence, and contributions to the band’s distinctive sound, Jordison’s passing left a void in the metal community that still feels deeply raw for many fans. Now, in a heartbreaking revelation, members of Slipknot have confirmed the existence of a personal note written by Jordison just before his death, shedding light on the mental and emotional struggles he endured in his final days.
The Note: A Final Expression of Fear
Slipknot’s members have always spoken highly of Joey Jordison, describing him as not only a brilliant musician but also a brother to them. His sudden death in July 2021 was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and fellow musicians alike. However, the band’s most recent revelation has opened a window into the emotional turmoil Jordison faced in the years leading up to his passing.
According to bandmates, Jordison left behind a note that expressed a deep sense of fear and uncertainty about his future. The note, which was discovered after his death, was reportedly written during a period of immense personal struggle. Although the details of the note remain private, Slipknot’s frontman, Corey Taylor, spoke candidly about its contents in a recent interview.
“It was a letter that Joey wrote, and it was terrifying to read,” Taylor admitted. “He spoke about how lost he felt, how he was grappling with feelings of isolation and fear. It was a very dark time for him, and it made us realize just how much he was going through.”
Joey’s battle with personal demons, particularly his struggles with mental health and the physical toll of his career, had long been part of his story. Despite the outward success and the love he received from fans, Jordison’s inner turmoil remained hidden to many until now.
A Struggle with Health and Mental Health
In the years leading up to his death, Jordison had been candid about his ongoing struggles. In 2015, he revealed that he was diagnosed with a neurological disorder, transverse myelitis, which caused him to lose the ability to play drums for a period of time. Although he later regained his ability to perform, the illness, coupled with years of stress from the band’s rigorous touring schedule, had a significant impact on his well-being.
In interviews, Jordison often spoke of the emotional and physical toll that his time in Slipknot had on him. The grueling schedules, constant pressure, and the responsibility of being in a band that operated on such a massive scale were incredibly taxing, and he struggled to find peace amid it all. These issues became more apparent in the final years of his life, with Jordison becoming more withdrawn, even as his music continued to touch millions.
“Joey had his demons, and I think it was difficult for him to reconcile that with the person he wanted to be,” Taylor said. “There was always a smile on his face, always a laugh in the room, but we all knew there was more beneath the surface that he never fully let us see.”
Slipknot’s Emotional Tribute to Joey Jordison
Following Jordison’s death, Slipknot took to social media and other platforms to honor their fallen bandmate, sharing emotional tributes that highlighted his contributions both to the band and to the metal community at large. The band’s drummer, Jay Weinberg, and percussionist Shawn Crahan, have also spoken about how deeply Joey’s passing affected them on a personal level.
“We all had a connection with Joey that went beyond the music,” Crahan said in a statement. “He was one of the reasons Slipknot became what it is today. His heart, his soul, his presence—it was undeniable. That note… it hurt us all, because we knew how much pain he was in, but we never saw him as someone who was giving up. He was a fighter until the very end.”
The band’s tribute to Joey during their live performances became an emotional event for both fans and the members themselves. The drums, the heart of Slipknot’s sound, felt a little quieter without Jordison’s thunderous beats, but his legacy continues to reverberate through the band’s music and performances.
A Message of Love and Loss
Since the band confirmed the existence of the note, the members have urged fans to remember Joey Jordison not just for his struggles but for the incredible talent and love he shared with the world. They have made it clear that while his passing was a profound loss, his spirit lives on in their music and the memories they share of him.
“We’ll never forget Joey,” said Taylor. “He’s always in our hearts, and his legacy will never fade. We may have lost him physically, but his presence is still with us every time we step on stage, every time we play those songs he helped create.”
The band has also expressed their commitment to continuing the work Jordison started, ensuring that his contribution to metal and to Slipknot’s success is never overlooked. Their upcoming performances will include tributes to Jordison, with moments dedicated to honoring the drummer who shaped the band’s unique sound.
The Legacy of Joey Jordison
As the years pass, Jordison’s influence remains undeniable. Not only was he one of the driving forces behind Slipknot’s success, but his style of drumming and songwriting helped define the sound of the late 1990s and early 2000s heavy metal. Songs like “Wait and Bleed,” “Before I Forget,” and “Duality” continue to stand as anthems for a generation of metalheads, their power partly attributed to Jordison’s ferocious drumming.
In the wake of his death, fans around the world continue to mourn the loss of a true pioneer. The news of the terrified note written by Joey Jordison is a stark reminder of the personal struggles even the brightest stars face behind closed doors. His death serves as an important call to address mental health and the pressures of the music industry, issues that often go unspoken.
For Slipknot, for Joey Jordison’s family, and for fans everywhere, the message is clear: Joey may have left this world, but he will never be forgotten. His spirit, his music, and his heart will continue to live on, forever etched into the legacy of Slipknot and the world of heavy metal.
