Slipknot has dismissed DJ Sid Wilson, the group's original turntablist, after 28 years. Wilson's departure follows a series of lineup changes that have reshaped the Iowa-based metal outfit over the past few years.
The band previously lost original percussionist Chris Fehn, original keyboardist Craig Jones, and longtime drummer Jay Weinberg. Those exits marked significant departures from Slipknot's core creative foundation, but Wilson's removal stands as particularly notable given his role as a founding member who helped define the group's sonic identity from their formation in 1995.
Slipknot built their reputation on theatrical aggression and experimental production, with Wilson's turntable work integral to their abrasive aesthetic. His scratches, samples, and electronic textures layered beneath the band's nine-piece percussion-heavy arrangements, contributing to albums including their self-titled debut, the Grammy-winning "Iowa," and later records like "We Are Not Your Kind."
The reported firing suggests internal tensions within a band that once seemed monolithic in its commitment to its original vision. Corey Taylor, the group's vocalist, and percussionist Shawn Crahan have remained constants, but the recent turnover indicates evolving dynamics in a group that spent decades cultivating an image of brotherhood and unbreakable unity.
The metal world has watched Slipknot navigate their position in a shifting landscape. While they maintained mainstream relevance through the 2010s and 2020s, retaining the band's original energy without some of its foundational members represents a creative challenge. Wilson's departure removes another voice from the group's classic sound, leaving questions about Slipknot's direction as they move forward without multiple original architects of their signature style.