How a self-taught drummer became the heartbeat of modern American heavy metal
In short: Joey Jordison, the original drummer for Slipknot, was a technical powerhouse who defined a generation of metal. Beyond his iconic #1 designation, he was a prolific multi-instrumentalist and producer. Yet, his career was nearly derailed by a mysterious neurological condition that stripped him of his ability to play.
Born in Des Moines in 1975, Jordison was initially self-taught before refining his craft with jazz and R&B techniques. This diverse background allowed him to master the high-tempo blast beats and complex fills that became his signature. By 1995, he joined the band that would become Slipknot, helping to pioneer a new wave of American heavy metal. His drumming was so influential that readers of Rhythm magazine voted him the best drummer of the previous 25 years in 2010, and Loudwire named him the world's greatest metal drummer in 2013.
Jordison’s career was marked by relentless activity. He served as the guitarist for the horror punk supergroup Murderdolls, produced albums for bands like 3 Inches of Blood, and performed as a session musician for acts ranging from Metallica to Korn. However, his tenure with Slipknot ended abruptly in 2013. While the band cited personal reasons, Jordison later revealed he had been fired. The true cause behind his struggles was acute transverse myelitis, a neurological disease that cost him the use of his legs and his ability to play drums.
The diagnosis came long after symptoms first appeared during a 2010 tour. Through intensive physical therapy and medical support, Jordison eventually regained his mobility and continued his musical pursuits with projects like Sinsaenum and Vimic. Despite his death in 2021 at age 46, his legacy remains cemented in the genre. Slipknot honored his memory by dedicating their 2022 album, The End, So Far, to him, ensuring his impact on the metal landscape continues to resonate with fans and peers alike.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Joey Jordison
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/music-joey-jordison.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Music · More in Music · Latest · A–Z · All topics
