Slipknot has officially confirmed the departure of turntablist and keyboardist Sid Wilson after 28 years with the Grammy-winning heavy metal band. The confirmation, reported by Stereogum and Louder, follows weeks of conflicting reports regarding the musician’s sudden exit from the iconic Iowa metal outfit.
The Bottom Line:
- Slipknot confirmed that Sid Wilson is no longer in the band, ending weeks of conflicting reports that began with initial leaks via TMZ.
- Wilson joined the band in 1998 as #0, just ahead of their breakout self-titled 1999 debut album.
- The split comes months after Wilson and former fiancée Kelly Osbourne ended their engagement and follows a wave of classic-lineup departures over the years.
The End of an Era for #0
The heavy metal institution made the announcement regarding its original DJ in typical, abrupt fashion. According to coverage from Louder, the group posted a brief statement declaring, “Effective immediately, Slipknot will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson,” adding wishes for his future endeavors before deleting the posts. AOL reports that the 49-year-old musician, known to fans worldwide by his stage number #0, was originally notified of his permanent dismissal late on a Friday afternoon.
Here is the kicker: the announcement caps off weeks of chaotic messaging from the camp. Rumors first surfaced when TMZ reported Wilson had been permanently kicked out of the group. Guitarist Jim Root seemingly attempted to quell the panic on Instagram, telling fans, “Don’t believe everything you read. Stop. Think. Take a breath.” But the math told a different story. Subsequent reporting pointed to mounting tensions over internal band dynamics, forcing a roll-out that left members visibly frustrated behind the scenes.
A Shrunk Classic Lineup
Wilson’s exit marks another massive shift for a band whose original roster has steadily dwindled over the decades. When Slipknot locked in its landmark lineup ahead of their 1999 release, the nine-piece powerhouse featured Corey Taylor, Shawn “Clown” Crahan, Joey Jordison, Paul Gray, Mick Thomson, Jim Root, Craig Jones, Chris Fehn, and Wilson. Today, the foundational lineup has contracted significantly. Bassist Paul Gray died in 2010, and founding drummer Joey Jordison passed away in his sleep in 2021. Meanwhile, keyboardist Craig Jones and percussionist Chris Fehn have both parted ways with the group in recent years.
That leaves only singer Corey Taylor, percussionist Shawn Crahan, and guitarists Mick Thomson and Jim Root remaining from the classic era that put Des Moines metal on the global map. Sid Wilson’s contributions to the band’s chaotic aesthetic—spanning turntables, samples, keyboards, and high-octane stage antics—helped define the sonic terror of hits like “Duality” and “Psychosocial.”
| Milestone / Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Years in Band | 28 years (Joined in 1998) |
| Stage Identifier | #0 (Turntables, Keyboards, Samples) |
| Departure Confirmation | Confirmed by band via social media post |
| Remaining Classic Members | Corey Taylor, Shawn Crahan, Mick Thomson, Jim Root |
Turbulent Personal Context
The high-profile band split arrives during a turbulent chapter for Wilson away from the stage. In March, Wilson and fiancée Kelly Osbourne called off their engagement after a four-year relationship. The pair share a three-year-old son, Sidney, born in November 2022. Their romance had deep roots in metal history, having first crossed paths back in 1999 when Slipknot played Ozzfest. Following their split, public statements from Osbourne highlighted personal grievances regarding family responsibilities.
Furthermore, Wilson’s departure follows a harrowing physical recovery. In August 2024, the musician suffered severe burns to his face and arms following a farm explosion, later sharing updates with concerned fans as he healed from singed features and blistering injuries. As Slipknot moves forward into their next touring and recording era, the band has yet to announce a permanent replacement for #0. Drop a comment below—how do you think this seismic lineup change will impact the future sound of Slipknot?
