Slipknot Parts Ways With Founding DJ Sid Wilson

The musician was reportedly informed late Friday that his services as the band’s DJ and keyboardist were no longer required. While neither the artist nor the heavy metal outfit has issued a formal statement regarding the split, the news follows a series of departures within the group, including the exits of Craig Jones and Chris Fehn, alongside the deaths of founding members Joey Jordison and Paul Gray.

Wilson’s departure closes a chapter that began in 1999, defined by his reputation for intense, unpredictable performances. He famously secured his spot in the lineup during an early gig by headbutting percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan mid-performance, a display of aggression that convinced the band he possessed the necessary grit for their identity. In recent months, Wilson had spoken publicly about the band’s evolution, praising current drummer Eloy Casagrande as a revitalizing force, though he remained silent on the tenure of former drummer Jay Weinberg.

This career shift compounds a turbulent year for Wilson. Reports from March indicated that his relationship with Kelly Osbourne had dissolved following significant personal struggles. With both a decade-spanning professional role and a high-profile domestic partnership now behind him, Wilson faces a period of profound transition.