Former Slipknot Drummer Jay Weinberg Opens Up About Being Fired by the Band

The percussionist Jay Weinberg parted ways with Slipknot, the band announced last weekend. They said they made a “creative decision” to let him go. Weinberg said on Instagram on Saturday that he was shocked and hurt by the phone call he got on November 5th, the same day the band shared the news with their fans.

“I was heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call that I did on the morning of November 5th; the news of which, most of you learned shortly after,” he wrote. “However, I’ve been overwhelmed by — and truly grateful for — the outpouring of love and support I’ve received from this incredible community I consider to be my creative and artistic home.”

Weinberg joined Slipknot in December 2013, according to his website, after the original drummer Joey Jordison left the band that month. (Jordison passed away in 2021). Slipknot thanked Weinberg for his “dedication and passion” for 10 years, but said they wanted to evolve. “No one can ever replace Joey Jordison’s original sound, style or energy, but Jay honored Joey’s parts and contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it. But as ever, Slipknot is intent on evolving. The band has decided to make a creative decision, and to part ways with Jay. We wish Jay all the best and are very excited for what the future holds.” Weinberg said he was still confused and sad about the split, but he vowed to keep playing music. “I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but I look forward to creating loud, passionate, and heartfelt music that we enjoy together again. Until then, please know it’s been the joy of a lifetime to spend the last 10 years with you, sharing in our love for this special corner of the music and art world,” he wrote. “This isn’t the end, and I’m thrilled to discover what the future has in store for us.”

Weinberg is the son of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band drummer Max Weinberg. He was a fan of Slipknot since he was 10 years old, as he mentioned in his post. Slipknot have not revealed who will take over Weinberg’s role. Their next performance is scheduled for April 27, 2024 at Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.