Slipknot Drummer Jay Weinberg Opens Up on Sudden Firing

Weinberg reveals his 'world bottomed out' after decade-long tenure with the masked metal band.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:06pm

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of a shattered mirror reflecting a single red light, conveying a sense of chaos and confusion.The abrupt end to Jay Weinberg's decade-long tenure with Slipknot has left the drummer grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of shattered dreams.Los Angeles Today

Drummer Jay Weinberg has opened up about his sudden firing from Slipknot in 2023, revealing that the decision 'remains confusing' to him. Weinberg had been with the band for 10 years, playing on three albums, but was let go after a 'very difficult year' for the group. He discussed the lack of explanation for his dismissal, as well as a medical issue with his hip that he had been asked to delay surgery on during his time with Slipknot.

Why it matters

Weinberg's departure from Slipknot after a decade-long tenure is a significant shakeup for the masked metal band, which has faced lineup changes and internal tensions over the years. His openness about the confusion and lack of explanation around his firing provides a rare behind-the-scenes look at the volatile dynamics within the group.

The details

Weinberg joined Slipknot in 2013 following the sudden exit of original drummer Joey Jordison. He played on three albums with the band - 2014's .5: The Gray Chapter, 2019's We Are Not Your Kind, and 2022's The End, So Far. However, in 2023 he was let go from the group in a surprise phone call from the band's management, with no clear explanation given. Weinberg revealed he had been dealing with a hip injury that required surgery, which the band had asked him to delay. Despite his contributions to the songwriting process, Weinberg believes years of preexisting tensions within Slipknot may have contributed to the decision to fire him.

  • Weinberg joined Slipknot in 2013 following Joey Jordison's departure.
  • Weinberg played on three Slipknot albums from 2014 to 2022.
  • Weinberg was fired from Slipknot in a surprise phone call in 2023.
  • Weinberg had been dealing with a hip injury that required surgery, which the band asked him to delay.

The players

Jay Weinberg

A drummer who was a member of Slipknot for 10 years, playing on three albums for the band before being suddenly fired in 2023.

Slipknot

The masked heavy metal band that Weinberg was a drummer for from 2013 to 2023.

Joey Jordison

The original drummer for Slipknot, who departed the band in 2013 before Weinberg joined.

Jim Root

The guitarist for Slipknot, who was Weinberg's main writing partner during his time in the band.

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What they’re saying

“My world just kind of bottomed out from under me. This thing that I have been dedicated to with complete focus and drive and attention and love and holding on to a dream, despite the difficulties, despite all the things that happen with entering a volatile environment like that and a dark environment at that, to having nothing but questions.”

— Jay Weinberg, Former Slipknot Drummer

“It came without an explanation, [with] no reason. It was confusing then. If I'm perfectly honest, it remains confusing.”

— Jay Weinberg, Former Slipknot Drummer

The takeaway

Weinberg's sudden and unexplained firing from Slipknot after a decade-long tenure highlights the volatile nature of the metal band's internal dynamics, which have been marked by lineup changes and tensions over the years. His openness about the confusion and lack of clarity around his dismissal provides a rare glimpse into the challenges faced by musicians in high-profile bands.