Longtime DJ and keyboardist Sid Wilson has been permanently dismissed from Slipknot after joining the band in 1999. Notified of the decision late Friday afternoon, Wilson’s sudden exit leaves only four original members remaining in the heavy metal group as they navigate another major lineup change.
Slipknot Dismisses Longtime Member Sid Wilson
Sid Wilson is officially out as Slipknot’s DJ and keyboardist, bringing a sudden end to a tenure that spans more than two decades. A source close to the band with direct knowledge confirmed that Wilson was notified of his permanent dismissal late Friday afternoon. The sudden split leaves industry observers and fans searching for answers, as neither the band nor Wilson has offered a public explanation for the decision.
Known to fans as number zero, Wilson was integral to shaping the distinct industrial and nu-metal sound that defined the Iowa metal band’s early records. His aggressive turntable work and chaotic stage presence—which infamously included breaking both of his heels during a 2008 performance and still finishing the set—helped cement the group’s reputation for unpredictable live shows.
Original Lineup Diminishes Further
With Wilson’s departure, Slipknot’s foundational roster shrinks to just four original members. Formed as a nine-piece ensemble, the band has experienced significant attrition through the decades due to deaths, departures, and dismissals.
The remaining original members are vocalist Corey Taylor, percussionist Shawn Clown
Crahan, guitarist Mick Thomson, and guitarist Jim Root. The band’s current touring and recording lineup is rounded out by bassist Alessandro Venturella, percussionist Michael Pfaff, and drummer Eloy Casagrande.
A Timeline of Departures and Tragedies
The heavy metal outfit has weathered profound losses and structural changes over its history. Bassist Paul Gray died from a drug overdose in 2010, and founding drummer Joey Jordison passed away in his sleep in 2021 following an earlier dismissal from the group. Percussionist Chris Fehn exited in 2019 following a financial dispute, while DJ Craig Jones made a quiet departure in 2023. Wilson’s exit as the latest original member marks another chapter in the band’s turbulent internal history.
Personal Milestones Preceding the Split
The personnel change arrives eight months after a major personal milestone for Wilson. He became engaged to Kelly Osbourne backstage at Ozzy Osbourne’s final Black Sabbath concert. The couple shares a son named Sidney, who was born in November 2022. However, the pair quietly called off their engagement in March, adding a layer of personal transition to a year marked by significant life shifts.
