Former Slipknot Drummer Jay Weinberg Still Confused by Sudden Firing

Weinberg reflects on his decade-long tenure with the band and the lack of explanation for his 2023 dismissal.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:30pm by

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An abstract close-up photograph featuring shards of shattered glass and glittering metal fragments, capturing the chaotic and disorienting nature of Weinberg's departure from Slipknot.The sudden and unexplained dismissal of drummer Jay Weinberg from the heavy metal band Slipknot left him and fans alike feeling blindsided and confused.San Francisco Today

In a new interview, former Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg expressed his continued confusion and shock over being suddenly fired from the band in 2023 after a decade-long tenure. Weinberg, who joined Slipknot in 2014 to replace the late Joey Jordison, said he was 'heartbroken and blindsided' by the decision and still doesn't know the reasons behind it, despite the band's claim that it was a 'creative decision'.

Why it matters

Weinberg's departure from Slipknot was a major surprise to fans, as he had become an integral part of the band's lineup and creative process over the previous 10 years. His firing raised questions about the inner workings and interpersonal dynamics within the notoriously private group, as well as the music industry's treatment of artists, especially younger musicians brought into established acts.

The details

Weinberg, who was 23 years old when he joined Slipknot, said he was 'shocked and full of questions' when the band's manager called him the morning after their last show together in 2023 to inform him that his contract would not be renewed. Weinberg had planned to undergo hip surgery during the band's break, but was told not to do so in order to fulfill touring commitments. He believes he may have become a 'scapegoat' for 'preexisting tensions' within the band that he was caught in the middle of as a relative newcomer.

  • In November 2023, Slipknot announced Weinberg's departure from the band.
  • Weinberg was fired the morning after Slipknot's last show of 2023.

The players

Jay Weinberg

A drummer who replaced the late Joey Jordison in Slipknot in 2014 and was a member of the band for 10 years before being suddenly fired in 2023.

Slipknot

The American heavy metal band that Weinberg was a member of from 2014 to 2023.

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What they’re saying

“It was confusing then. If I'm perfectly honest, it remains confusing.”

— Jay Weinberg, Former Slipknot Drummer

“Maybe I became a scapegoat for certain things.”

— Jay Weinberg, Former Slipknot Drummer

What’s next

Weinberg has since joined other bands like Suicidal Tendencies, and is focusing on new creative collaborations and projects that provide a more positive and supportive environment compared to his final years in Slipknot.

The takeaway

Weinberg's experience highlights the challenges and volatility that can come with being a younger musician joining an established band, as well as the lack of transparency and communication that can sometimes occur in the music industry, even at the highest levels. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of fostering healthy creative environments and providing clear explanations when parting ways with artists.