
Update — August 14, 2026: Slipknot has officially confirmed Sid Wilson’s departure from the band. The announcement came via Instagram — “Effective immediately, Slipknot will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson. We wish him the best in his future endeavors” — and was deleted within minutes, but remained visible on the Knotfest account and has been widely reported. This article has been updated throughout to reflect Wilson’s exit. He is no longer counted among the band’s current performing members.
Who are the current members of Slipknot in 2026?
Slipknot’s current lineup is nine performing members: Corey Taylor (vocals), Mick Thomson (guitar), Jim Root (guitar), Shawn “Clown” Crahan (percussion), Alessandro “V-Man” Venturella (bass), Michael “Tortilla Man” Pfaff (percussion), Eloy Casagrande (drums), and one unidentified member handling samples and keyboards.
How Many Members Are In Slipknot In 2026?
Slipknot perform as eight members in 2026, one of whom has never been publicly identified. Four of the numbered #0–#8 lineup remain: Jim Root (#4), Shawn “Clown” Crahan (#6), Mick Thomson (#7) and Corey Taylor (#8). Of the remaining five, two have died: Paul Gray in 2010 and Joey Jordison in 2021. Three have departed: Chris Fehn in 2019, Craig Jones in 2023, and Sid Wilson in 2026. Crahan is the last member left from the band’s 1995 founding.
TL;DR:
Slipknot’s 2026 lineup runs to eight performing members following Sid Wilson’s August 2026 departure. Corey Taylor, Clown, Jim Root and Mick Thomson remain the backbone, while Eloy Casagrande took over drums after Jay Weinberg’s exit. Wilson, who had been with the band since 1998, was let go via a since-deleted Instagram statement — the band’s fourth lineup departure since 2019. An unidentified member continues to cover samples and keyboards in place of Craig Jones, keeping the band’s tradition of anonymity intact.
Slipknot Lineup At A Glance (2026)
Slipknot’s Current Lineup (2026)
While names like Mick Thomson and Jim Root are expected on the guitar line, the most notable shift in the 2026 lineup comes from the rhythm section. Following the shock firing of Jay Weinberg, the drum throne has been taken over by a powerhouse from Sepultura who has fundamentally shifted the band’s live energy.
Furthermore, the “Nine” is currently technically “Eight,” as the band has yet to officially fill one specific iconic slot.
The New Powerhouse: Eloy Casagrande has officially revitalized the band’s percussion, bringing a technicality not seen since the early days of the “Original Nine.”
The Unmovable CoreThe Unmovable Core: Corey Taylor (#8) and Shawn “Clown” Crahan (#6) continue to lead the charge into the band’s fourth decade, with Crahan the last man standing from the 1995 lineup. Following Sid Wilson’s August 2026 departure, no member from the band’s earliest DJ/turntablist role remains.
The Riff Lords: Mick Thomson (#7) and Jim Root (#4) remain the primary architects of the Slipknot wall of sound.
The Modern Era: Alessandro “V-Man” Venturella and Michael “Tortilla Man” Pfaff have moved from “replacements” to permanent fixtures in the collective.
The Mystery of ‘Jeff’: Unmasking the New Guy
One of the biggest reasons for the recent surge in Slipknot searches is the identity of the member known simply as “Samples.” Replacing the legendary Craig Jones was never going to be easy, but fan detectives have recently uncovered metadata and backstage photos that point to one specific musician.
Leaked metadata from a 2025 teaser site and a background appearance in a Kelly Osbourne Instagram story have all but confirmed that the “New Guy” is Jeff Karnowski. As a former member of Clown’s side project Dirty Little Rabbits, Karnowski fits the band’s pattern of hiring from within their close-knit circle.
The “Who’s Out”: A History of Slipknot’s Chaotic Revolving Door
Being in Slipknot isn’t a life-long gig for everyone. The band’s history is a legendary trail of firings, tragic deaths, and mysterious exits.
This isn’t just a band; it’s a nine-man war of attrition. Here’s a breakdown of what happened to everyone else.
The Tragic Losses: The Unfillable Voids
You can’t talk about Slipknot‘s history without honoring two men who were integral to the band’s formation.
- Paul Gray (#2) (Died 2010): Paul Gray wasn’t just the bassist; he was the soul of Slipknot. As a co-founder and primary songwriter, his death from an overdose in 2010 was a devastating blow that almost ended the band. They didn’t even have a bassist for years, recruiting Donnie Steele (an original guitarist) to play his parts from backstage. The album .5: The Gray Chapter is a direct tribute to him.
- Joey Jordison (#1) (Died 2021): Joey Jordison was the sound. A co-founder and one of the most iconic drummers in metal history, his blast beats and hyper-speed kicks defined the band’s early sound. His split from the band in 2013 was messy. He claimed he was fired via email, while the band remained silent. He later revealed he was suffering from transverse myelitis, a neurological condition that robbed him of his ability to play. His tragic death in 2021 cemented his legacy as a tortured genius.
A Timeline of Chaos: The “Who’s Out”
You don’t get to 30 years of Slipknot without a trail of wreckage. This isn’t just a band; it’s a war of attrition. Here is the definitive breakdown of the members who are no longer behind the masks.
If you want the full breakdown of every lineup change across the band’s history, check out our complete guide to Slipknot members.
The Shocking Firings & Mysterious Exits
- Jay Weinberg (2014–2023): Fired in a move that “blindsided” the fan-favorite drummer. He has since moved on to Suicidal Tendencies.
- Craig “133” Jones (#5) (1996–2023): The silent enigma. He vanished in 2023 with zero explanation, ending a 27-year run.
- Chris Fehn (#3) (1998–2019): Fired following a legal dispute over band finances.
- Josh “Gnar” Brainard (#4) (1995–1999): The original #4 who left just as the band was hitting the stratosphere.
The Foundation (Pre-Self Titled)
Greg “Cuddles” Welts: The original #3 percussionist.
Anders Colsefni: The original vocalist/percussionist (1995–1997).
Donnie Steele: The original guitarist who later returned to play bass from behind a curtain after Paul Gray’s death.
The “Original Nine” & Early Departures
Current Members
Shawn “Clown” Crahan (#6) – Percussion / Backing Vocals 1995 – present
Percussion/backing vocals: all releases — founding member
Mick Thomson (#7) – Lead/Rhythm Guitar 1996 – present
Guitar: all releases except “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.“
Corey Taylor (#8) – Lead Vocals 1997 – present
Lead vocals: all releases except “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.“
Jim Root (#4) – Lead/Rhythm Guitar 1999 – present
Guitar: all releases except “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.“
Alessandro “V-Man” Venturella – Bass / Keyboards 2014 – present
Bass guitar: all releases since “.5 The Gray Chapter.“
Michael Pfaff (Tortilla Man) – Percussion / Backing Vocals 2019 – present
Percussion/backing vocals: all releases since “The End, So Far” (2022)
Eloy Casagrande – Drums 2024 – present
Ex-Sepultura drummer who made his live debut with Slipknot in 2024.
Past Slipknot band members
Joey Jordison (#1) – Original Drummer (1995–2013) (died 2021)
Drums on all releases from “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.” (1996) to “Antennas to Hell” (2012) & “Live at MSG” (2023)
Paul Gray (#2) – Original Bassist (1995–2010) (died 2010)
Bass/backing vocals: All albums through to “All Hope Is Gone” (2008)
Sid Wilson (#0) – Turntables / Keyboards 1998 – 2026
Turntables/keyboards: all releases except “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.“
Donnie Steele (1995–1996/2011–2014) (touring)
“Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.” (1996) & “.5: The Gray Chapter” (2014)
Josh “Gnar” Brainard (1995–1999)
Rhythm guitar/backing vocals: “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.” (1996) & “Slipknot” (1999)
Anders Colsefni (1995 – 1997)
Lead vocals (1995–1997)/backing vocals (1997), percussion on “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.” (1996)
Craig Jones (#5) – Samples / Media / Keyboards (1996–2023)
Guitar (1996), samples/media/keyboards (1996–2023): all releases from “Slipknot” (1999) to “Live at MSG” (2023)
Greg “Cuddles” Welts (1997–1998)
Percussion/backing vocals: “Slipknot” (1999)
Brandon Darner (1998)
Percussion (touring)
Chris Fehn (#3) – Percussion / Backing Vocals (1998–2019)
all releases from “Slipknot” (1999) to “We Are Not Your Kind” (2019) & “Live at MSG” (2023)
Jay Weinberg – Drums (2014–2023)
Drums: all releases from “.5: The Gray Chapter” (2014) to “Adderall” (EP) (2023)
FAQ: The Slipknot Lineup Explained
Who is currently in Slipknot in 2026?
The eight-member lineup is: Corey Taylor (vocals), Mick Thomson (guitar), Jim Root (guitar), Shawn “Clown” Crahan (percussion), Alessandro “V-Man” Venturella (bass), Michael “Tortilla Man” Pfaff (percussion), Eloy Casagrande (drums), and one unidentified member on samples and keyboards. Sid Wilson departed the band in August 2026.
How many original members of Slipknot are left?
Four of the numbered #0–#8 lineup are still in the band — Jim Root, Shawn “Clown” Crahan, Mick Thomson and Corey Taylor. Only Crahan dates back to the band’s original 1995 formation. Sid Wilson, the band’s last remaining original DJ, departed in August 2026.
Who is the drummer for Slipknot?
The drummer is Eloy Casagrande, the former powerhouse from the Brazilian band Sepultura. He officially joined in April 2024, replacing Jay Weinberg.
What happened to Joey Jordison and Paul Gray?
They are the two “Original Nine” who have tragically passed away. Paul Gray (#2), the bassist, died in 2010 from an accidental overdose. Joey Jordison (#1), the drummer, died in 2021 in his sleep.
Why did Craig Jones (#5) leave Slipknot?
It’s a mystery. The band announced his departure in June 2023 and then immediately deleted the post. No official reason has ever been given. He was with the band for 27 years.
Did Sid Wilson leave Slipknot?
Yes. Slipknot confirmed Sid Wilson’s departure in an August 14, 2026 statement posted to Instagram — “Effective immediately, Slipknot will no longer be associated with Sid Wilson. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.” The post was deleted within minutes but remained visible on the band’s Knotfest account. Wilson had been with Slipknot since 1998, appearing on all seven studio albums from the 1999 self-titled debut through 2022’s The End, So Far.
Band Bio: Slipknot
Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa, formed in 1995. Known for their aggressive musical style, energetic and chaotic live shows, and masked, uniform image, Slipknot quickly rose to prominence in the late 1990s. The band’s initial lineup solidified with percussionist Shawn Crahan, bassist Paul Gray, and drummer Joey Jordison at its core, eventually expanding to a nine-member collective. Their self-titled major label debut album in 1999 introduced the world to their unique blend of nu-metal, industrial, and death metal influences, garnering critical acclaim and a massive, devoted fanbase.
Throughout their career, Slipknot has released critically acclaimed albums such as Iowa (2001), Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004), and We Are Not Your Kind (2019), consistently pushing the boundaries of heavy music. Despite facing numerous lineup changes and tragic losses, including the deaths of Paul Gray and Joey Jordison, Slipknot has maintained its status as one of the most compelling and influential acts in metal. Their commitment to their artistic vision, powerful live performances, and ever-evolving masks continue to captivate audiences worldwide, solidifying their legacy as a true force in modern music.
Essential Slipknot Reading
If you want to explore more about Slipknot’s music, history, and key moments, these articles dive deeper into some of the band’s most important eras and members.
• Slipknot Albums Ranked: From Iowa to The End, So Far
A full breakdown of every Slipknot album, examining how the band’s sound evolved from raw chaos to modern metal dominance.
• Jim Root and Mick Thomson: Slipknot’s Guitar Titans
A closer look at the two guitarists responsible for shaping Slipknot’s crushing riffs and unmistakable sound.
• Slipknot’s “Me Inside” Demo Resurfaces 25 Years Later
The early recording that captured the band before global fame — and why fans are still fascinated by it decades later.
• The 13 Most Brutal Slipknot Songs Ever Recorded (Ranked)
Exploring the most brutal and crushing songs from Slipknot in a single ranked list.
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