Jay Weinberg performing in Slipknot.Photo:Venla Shalin/Redferns
Venla Shalin/Redferns
Jay Weinberg is speaking out abouthis departure from Slipknot.
“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,” Weinberg wrote in the caption of a photo of himself behind a drum kit, referring to thenow-deleted statementSlipknot posted on their website and social media last week.
Jay Weinberg in New York City in October 2012.Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic
Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic
Despite expressing how “heartbroken” he was, the drummer extended his gratitude towards his fans. He said, “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.”
In his lengthy statement, the recording artist also took a moment to reminisce on what his time with Slipknot — which included a decade of touring together and working on three albums — meant to him. “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,” he wrote. “Even on the hardest days, I’d like to think he’d be stoked about the adventure that was in store for him.”
“This isn’t the end, and I’m thrilled to discover what the future has in store for us,” he added.
His father, 72, shared a thoughtful message about his response, writing, “For 33 years you’ve made your mom and I 100% proud. This moment is no exception. You’re a class act! Love Dad.”
Green Day’s Tré Cool chimed in to say he’s looking forward to seeing what’s next for the rock artist. “I have so much admiration and respect for you, Jay,” he commented. “You are still yet to make the best music of our life. You are young. The future is yours for the taking and I’m excited to see what you bring into to the world next. You’re truly a special drummer ❤️🔥.”
Matt Sorum, who was an early member ofGuns N’ Rosesand fired from the group in 1997, also offered a positive message. He wrote, “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 journeyman drummer myself more will be reveal!! The Future is bright for you and all of us , can’t wait to see the next adventure !! Rock on Brother 👏👏👏🙌.”
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Weinberg originally joined Slipknot following thelate 2013 departureof the late founding memberJoey Jordison. At the time, the Grammy-winning group announced that the founding member was leaving for “personal reasons,” although Jordison later claimed in a post on Facebook that the decision was not his choice.
The “Psychosocial” band announced that they had made the “creative decision … to part ways” with Weinberg in a statement to fans on Nov. 5.
“We would like to thank Jay Weinberg for his dedication and passion over the past 10 years,” the statement read. “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.”
source: people.com
