Slipknot sued for ‘heartlessly’ profiting from their founding member and drummer Joey Jordison’s death

DES MOINES, IOWA: The metal band 'Slipknot' is facing a lawsuit from the estate of their late drummer and co-founder Joey Jordison who died in July 2021.

The lawsuit accuses the band members of exploiting Jordison’s death to boost their album sales and of withholding his belongings.

Joey Jordison’s estate claims band members did not express condolences

The lawsuit, filed by Steamroller, LLC, names Corey Taylor and Michael Shawn 'Clown' Crahan as defendants, alleging that they used Jordison’s death to promote their 2022 album 'The End, So Far,' PageSix reported.

The lawsuit states, “While family, friends and fans mourned the loss of the legendary drummer, neither bandmate expressed condolences to Jordison’s family after his passing."

"Instead, Taylor and Crahan heartlessly sought to profit off of Jordison’s death," it added.

Joey Jordison’s equipment and wardrobe used in traveling museum

The lawsuit also claims that Slipknot never returned Jordison’s equipment – including musical instruments, gear and wardrobe – and has been using his belongings in their traveling museum, Knotfest.

The lawsuit states, "After abruptly kicking Jordison out of Slipknot in 2013" Taylor and Crahan had agreed in writing to return all of Jordison’s belongings in exchange for his release of certain claims against them."

But they breached the agreement and "knowingly concealed" from Jordison that they had had other belongings of him that they "never returned."

Slipknot denies allegations and seeks dismissal of lawsuit

Slipknot’s legal team has responded to the lawsuit by asking for its dismissal stating, “Defendants generally deny each and every allegation and purported claim set forth in Plaintiff’s First Amended Complaint and further deny that Plaintiff is entitled to any relief whatsoever.”

The band has not issued any public statement on the lawsuit or Jordison’s death.

Joey Jordison was a founding member and original drummer of Slipknot

Jordison was one of the original members of Slipknot, which he formed in 1995 with Crahan and Paul Gray.  He played drums for the band until 2013, when he was abruptly fired.

He also played guitar and drums for other bands, such as 'Murderdolls' and 'Scar the Martyr', and collaborated with artists like Metallica, Korn and Rob Zombie.

He died at the age of 46 from transverse myelitis, a rare neurological disorder. Jordison had denied quitting Slipknot and said he was shocked and blindsided by his dismissal.

He wrote on Facebook in 2014: “To my fans, friends, and associates… I want to make it very clear that I DID NOT QUIT SLIPKNOT.

This band has been my life for the last 18 years, and I would never abandon it, or my fans.” He also thanked his supporters and wished them a happy and healthy New Year.