Slipknot's Clown Leaves Iowa for Palm Springs

Percussionist Shawn 'Clown' Crahan cites health, weather, and a desire for a 'stress-free' life as reasons for relocating.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Slipknot percussionist Shawn 'Clown' Crahan recently revealed that he and his wife have left their longtime home in Iowa and moved to Palm Springs, California. Crahan cited various reasons for the move, including health concerns, the sunny and temperate climate of Palm Springs, and a desire to live a more 'stress-free' lifestyle as they enter a new phase of life with their children grown and out of the house.

Why it matters

Crahan's move from Iowa to Palm Springs represents a significant shift for the musician, who is closely associated with Slipknot's Midwestern roots. The band's music and imagery have long been intertwined with the rural, industrial landscapes of Iowa, so Crahan's relocation to the sunny desert of Palm Springs marks a notable change in his personal and creative environment.

The details

In a podcast interview, Crahan explained that the 'energy' and climate of Palm Springs have been beneficial for his wife's health, and that they are enjoying the ability to live a more 'stress-free' lifestyle in their new desert home. He also reflected on the stark contrasts between the remote Iowa countryside and the bustling urban environments he had previously experienced, noting that the isolation of rural Iowa could be both comforting and unsettling.

  • Crahan and his wife moved to Palm Springs sometime prior to the podcast interview, which was recorded and uploaded on March 4, 2026.
  • In 2024, Slipknot performed their first show with new drummer Eloy Casagrande at the Pappy & Harriet's venue in Palm Springs.

The players

Shawn 'Clown' Crahan

The percussionist and founding member of the heavy metal band Slipknot, who has recently relocated from Iowa to Palm Springs, California.

Lisa Kennedy Montgomery

The host of the 'Kennedy Saves the World' podcast, who interviewed Crahan about his move to Palm Springs.

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What they’re saying

“The energy [here] is incredible, and it's just better for what my wife and I are doing now in our life, which is trying to be stress-free as much as possible and appreciate each other.”

— Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, Slipknot Percussionist (Kennedy Saves the World)

“A couple things with that. One – so, I grew up in the woods. A lot of people would think, 'Oh, you're one of those scary people. You grew up with the manure and the trees.' I live in the desert now, and I'm trying to bring it full circle with you to say, 'Yes, there's a lot of weird stuff that happens in the desert, and it's different. The desert's different. It's definitely different. We could go into it.”

— Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, Slipknot Percussionist (Kennedy Saves the World)

What’s next

Crahan and his wife plan to continue enjoying their new, more relaxed lifestyle in Palm Springs, with the musician noting that the move has been beneficial for his wife's health.

The takeaway

Crahan's relocation from Iowa to Palm Springs represents a significant shift for the Slipknot percussionist, who is closely associated with the band's Midwestern roots. The move reflects Crahan's desire for a more stress-free and health-conscious lifestyle, as well as the band's evolving relationship with their geographic origins.