Slipknot Officially Confirms Sid Wilson's Departure After 28 Years

Key points

• Slipknot confirmed Sid Wilson's exit via a statement that was quickly removed from their website and social media.
• Wilson, who joined in 1998, served as the band's DJ and keyboardist for nearly 30 years.
• The departure was preceded by reports from TMZ in late July suggesting he had been fired.
• Guitarist Jim Root previously urged fans not to believe rumors before the official confirmation.
• The band's statement wished Wilson well but did not disclose the reasons for the split.

Background

This departure follows a pattern of significant lineup changes for Slipknot. In 2023, Craig Jones left the band, and Chris Fehn departed in 2019. The group also suffered the deaths of co-founders Joey Jordison in 2021 and Paul Gray in 2010. Wilson's exit is the latest in a series of events that have reshaped the band's composition since its formation in Des Moines, Iowa.

How outlets are covering it

TMZ initially reported in late July that Wilson had been kicked out, citing sources who described the exit as a long time coming due to his behavior. However, guitarist Jim Root pushed back against these rumors on Instagram, urging fans to wait for official information. Deadline and Rolling Stone confirmed the official statement, noting that the band's post was brief and quickly deleted. Billboard highlighted that the statement remained on the Knotfest festival account, while Deadline noted the band's history of member departures. All sources agree that the split is official, but they differ on the timing of the initial reports and the specific reasons behind the decision, with only TMZ providing speculative reasons.

Why it matters

Sid Wilson was a foundational member of Slipknot, joining before their mainstream breakthrough and contributing to their signature sound. His departure impacts the band's live performances and future recordings. The lack of a public reason for the split has led to speculation among fans and industry observers. The band's recent catalog sale to HarbourView Equity Partners also adds a layer of business complexity to this personnel change.

What to watch

Slipknot has not announced a replacement for Wilson or provided a timeline for future tours or recordings. The band's last known live show was in July 2025. Fans and industry watchers will be looking for any official statement from Wilson himself, as he has not publicly commented on the departure. The band may need to address how the split affects their upcoming projects and live performances.