In a latest and heartfelt interview with Vulture, Shawn “Clown” Crahan shared poignant reminiscences of his late bandmates, Paul Gray and Joey Jordison, by way of the lens of their iconic Slipknot songs. This reflection on their musical legacy not solely highlights his private connection but additionally underscores the profound impression these musicians had on the band’s journey and the heavy emotional weight that accompanies such loss.

Paul Gray tragically handed away in May 2010 whereas nonetheless an lively member of Slipknot. In distinction, Joey Jordison was dismissed from the band in December 2013, but maintained some contact together with his former bandmates till his premature loss of life in July 2021. This complicated historical past provides layers to Clown’s reminiscences, revealing how the bonds fashioned by way of music endure regardless of the challenges that arose throughout the band.

“I miss them,” Clown expressed to Vulture. “You know, it’s too much. I feel bad even doing interviews about our 25th anniversary because most of it lives with them. Their contributions to my life are incomprehensible. Yet here I am.” This sentiment captures a profound sense of loss, emphasizing how the legacies of Gray and Jordison proceed to resonate deeply throughout the band and its music, providing a glimpse into the emotional battle of celebrating achievements whereas mourning their absence.

“And, you know, not that many people try to take Paul from me but a lot of people try to take Joey from me because of the circumstances,” he continued. “But none of the band ever talk about that. Why would we? That’s our brother. It’s hard today because so many people have all these opinions on what Joey’s thoughts might have been of me.” Here, Clown sheds mild on the complexities of public notion and private grief, illustrating how the band cherishes the reminiscence of their departed members whereas navigating the narratives that encompass their legacies.

Clown reminisced in regards to the track “Vermillion” from their acclaimed 2004 album Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses), noting the way it evokes reminiscences of Gray. “The bassist played the song a lot while we were working on the record at Rick Rubin’s Los Angeles mansion,” he shared. This recollection highlights not solely the track’s significance but additionally the collaborative spirit that outlined their artistic course of, showcasing how music can function a robust conduit for remembering those that have handed.

He expressed that “just about everything” reminds him of Jordison, notably the monitor “Scissors,” which the band not too long ago reintroduced to their setlist in honor of their album’s twenty fifth anniversary. Prior to this yr, “Scissors” had not been performed dwell since 2000 [via Setlist.fm]. This revival signifies the band’s dedication to honoring their previous whereas persevering with to evolve, permitting followers to reconnect with the music that formed their identification.

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“You can only play that song with his kind of ability and we haven’t been there for a long, long time. We’re finally back there. It was a song where he’d really just go off,” Clown elaborated, citing “Spit It Out” as one other monitor that evokes reminiscences of the drummer. This reflection not solely honors Jordison’s distinctive contribution to their music but additionally emphasizes the band’s journey again to a state the place they will totally embrace and carry out these highly effective songs.

“… The way Joey demanded the attention in that song. He was like the conductor — everyone paid attention to him. I miss that,” he concluded. This comment poignantly captures the essence of Jordison’s presence and expertise, illustrating how his artistry continues to affect the band’s dynamics and performances, leaving an enduring legacy on the earth of heavy metallic.

Elsewhere within the dialog, Clown confirmed that he has not too long ago accredited the art work for the band’s long-lost album Look Outside Your Window, which was recorded across the identical time as All Hope Is Gone. This announcement has sparked pleasure amongst followers keen for brand new materials that displays the band’s in depth historical past and evolution.

Earlier this yr, he promised that it will be launched someday in 2024. Although that timeline now appears unsure, Clown reassured followers that he “worked really hard to get it mixed and mastered,” indicating his dedication to delivering high quality music that honors their legacy whereas pushing ahead into the longer term.