Slipknot: Did You Know?
10 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Slipknot
Slipknot is notorious for their chaotic live shows, brutal music, and eerie masks, but there’s a lot more to this Iowa-based band than meets the eye. While they’ve gained a loyal global following for their aggressive sound and intense imagery, some fascinating, lesser-known stories make this band’s history even wilder. Whether you’re a die-hard maggot or just curious about what makes Slipknot tick, here are 10 fun facts that might surprise you!
1. The Masks Almost Didn’t Happen
Slipknot’s signature masks are now iconic, but they weren’t always part of the plan. It all started when percussionist Shawn Crahan showed up to practice one day wearing a clown mask, just for fun. The rest of the band thought it was cool, and soon the idea of incorporating masks into their persona stuck. Each member eventually created their own mask to reflect their dark and twisted personalities.
2. Slipknot's Original Name Was… “The Pale Ones”
Before they settled on the name Slipknot, the band went by several different names, including “The Pale Ones” and “Meld.” However, it wasn’t until they started playing a song called "Slipknot" that they found the name that stuck. It was Corey Taylor, who joined the band later, who helped shape the final lineup and sound we know today.
3. Corey Taylor Wasn’t the Original Singer
Believe it or not, Corey Taylor, Slipknot's iconic frontman, wasn’t the band’s original lead vocalist. Before Taylor joined, Slipknot's lead singer was Anders Colsefni. Corey was recruited after the band saw his performances with another local band called Stone Sour (yep, he’s also their lead singer). The addition of Taylor’s aggressive vocal style helped propel Slipknot into new realms of heaviness.
4. The Band Used to Throw Pig Heads at Fans
During their early shows, Slipknot had a reputation for being... well, extreme. One of their more shocking antics involved tossing a severed pig’s head into the crowd. This gruesome stage prop fit perfectly with their unhinged performances and quickly became part of their lore. But if you’re heading to a Slipknot show now, don’t worry — the pig heads are long gone.
5. The Drummer Was Almost a Doctor
Joey Jordison, Slipknot’s legendary drummer (RIP), initially had no plans to join a metal band. Growing up, he was more interested in becoming a doctor or working in a hospital. He even spent time as a hospital worker before music took over his life. The rest is history, and Jordison’s drumming became one of the defining elements of Slipknot’s sound.
6. Slipknot’s Number System Has a Deep Meaning
Each member of Slipknot is assigned a number, from #0 (Sid Wilson) to #8 (Corey Taylor). These numbers are more than just a gimmick; they represent the idea that no individual is bigger than the band. Slipknot's ethos revolves around the collective, with each member contributing equally to their chaotic musical experience. It’s also a nod to their sense of anonymity when they first donned masks.
7. They Have Their Own Knotfest Festival
Not many bands can boast their own festival, but Slipknot created Knotfestin 2012, which has become one of the most anticipated heavy music festivals in the world. The festival features not just Slipknot, but a stacked lineup of metal, hardcore, and rock bands. Oh, and it also includes a "Slipknot Museum," fire-breathing performances, and even carnival rides. It’s like a heavy metal circus!
8. Corey Taylor is a Massive Pop Culture Nerd
While Slipknot’s music might make you think Corey Taylor lives and breathes metal, he’s actually a massive nerd for all things pop culture. He’s a huge fan of comic books, video games, and horror movies. Taylor has even written several books, covering everything from his personal struggles to his thoughts on the world of entertainment.
9. They Used to Practice in an Abandoned Gas Station
When Slipknot was just starting out, they didn’t have access to fancy rehearsal spaces. Instead, they practiced in an abandoned gas station in Des Moines, Iowa. It was far from glamorous, but the setting added to their gritty, DIY origins. That raw energy from their humble beginnings has carried through to their massive arena shows today.
10. Slipknot Holds a Guinness World Record
Slipknot isn’t just an iconic band in the world of metal—they also hold a Guinness World Record! At their Download Festival performance in 2009, Slipknot set the record for the largest number of people moshing simultaneously in one place. Over 80,000 people participated in the wild, chaotic mosh pit, making it a legendary moment in metal history.
Slipknot’s legacy is one of reinvention, chaos, and pure, unfiltered energy. Behind the masks and the music, the band’s journey from the gas stations of Iowa to global superstardom is filled with quirky, intense, and sometimes downright bizarre stories that make them one of the most intriguing bands in heavy music.