May 24th marks the fifth anniversary of a very dark day for Slipknot fans, as it's the fifth anniversary of the death of bassist and founding member, Paul Gray. Gray, who struggled with drug addiction was found dead in a hotel room after overdosing on drugs.
It's crazy to think five years have passed. The current issue of cKerrang Magazine in the UK features a lengthy tribute from Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor, of which Blabbermouth just posted a few excerpts:
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think about him," Corey wrote. "When I'm on the road, the live shows bring back our times together. When I'm home, this house and the pictures in it remind me of good times and bad. When I'm listening to music, I think about the two of us, cranking new and old tunes in his car or mine, rocking out like little kids and giggling because the stuff is so awesome."
He continued: "I think that's the overall memory I cherish the most about him: his energy and his excitement. Even if you weren't 'feeling' something musically or anything else to do with the band, he was the world's best cheerleader. After one conversation with him, you'd be so ready to play or tour or record or whatever that you'd be jumping out of your skin. Whenevr I'm feeling jaded, I remember that. I remember this gift that he and I and the rest of SLIPKNOT were able to buld together."
Taylor added: "I had the privilege of making music with Paul Gray for 13 years. I learned so much from that man that I still use his idealogy and methods to this day. I got to travel the world with him. I got to see things not a lot of others would ever hope to in their lifetimes. He and I built a career out of passion, music, anger and art. We may have had our ups and downs, but he loved every minute of it. I know I did."
Slipknot will be heading out on the road this summer with Lamb of God. Get dates here. The band has gone on record as saying they would never tour without their masks. After releasing Vol .5: The Gray Chapter last year, guitarist Jim Root has declared he has already begun writing new material for the next album.
