Nathan Jonas “Joey” Jordison, best known as the drummer of the metal band Slipknot as well as guitarist for horror punk band Murderdolls, passed away Monday, according to a statement from his family. He was 46.
His family did not disclose a cause of death, but the statement said he died “peacefully in his sleep.” He was 46.
The family’s statement read, “We are heartbroken to share the news that Joey Jordison, prolific drummer, musician and artist passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26, 2021. He was 46.”
“Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” it added. “To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart and his love for all things family and music.”
“The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time. The family will hold a private funeral service and asks the media and public to respect their wishes.”
Jordison was a highly visible member of Slipknot, whose music relied on his pummeling rhythms and endurance. He was a member from their formation in 1995 until his departure in late 2013.
Jordison and bassist Paul Gray, who died in 2010, and percussionist Shawn Crahan, were core members of the band, working with the others to plot its strategy. The group released its debut album, “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.,” on Halloween Day, 1996.
Born on April 26, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa, Jordison grew up in a rural area outside of Waukee where he used to play basketball on the street in front of his house.
He embraced music at an early age, which he attributes to his parents’ influence. He once said, “They always sat me down in front of the radio, rather than the TV.”
Jordison played guitar until receiving his first drum kit as a gift from his parents at age eight and started his first band while in elementary school.
In January 2018, Jordison talked about suffering from acute transverse myelitis, a neurological disease. He said he started experiencing the symptoms in 2010, but was not diagnosed for a long time, which progressed to the loss of use of his left leg.
The neurological condition had temporarily affected his lower extremities, which also affected his ability to play the drums. He recovered with medical intervention and intensive workouts in the gym.
