Joey Jordison: Remembering the Late Drummer of Slipknot

Joey Jordison was an icon in the music industry, known for his incredible drumming skills and unique style. As the drummer of Slipknot, he helped pioneer the nu-metal genre and became a beloved figure for millions of fans around the world. However, his life was cut short when he passed away at age 46, leaving a void in the music industry that will never be filled. In this article, we will explore the life of Joey Jordison, from his early days to his rise to fame and tragic death. We will look at his influence on the music industry, the legacy he left behind, and how he will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike.

Early Life and Career

Joey Jordison was born on April 26, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa. He grew up in a musical family and started playing the drums at a young age. His early influences included Black Sabbath, Metallica, Slayer, and Iron Maiden. He formed his first band, Modifidious, in the early 1990s, which helped him hone his skills and gain experience in the local music scene.

In 1995, Jordison joined the band Slipknot, which would become his most famous project. He played drums and percussion for the band, as well as contributed to the songwriting process. His unique drumming style, which included double bass drumming, blast beats, and intricate rhythms, helped define the sound of Slipknot and set them apart from other bands in the genre.

Joey Jordison’s Rise to Fame

Slipknot’s debut album, “Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat.”, was released in 1996, but it was their second album, “Slipknot”, that launched them into mainstream success. The album went double platinum and spawned several hit singles, including “Wait and Bleed” and “Spit It Out”. Jordison’s drumming was a key component of the band’s success, and he quickly became known as one of the best drummers in the industry.

Over the years, Jordison continued to contribute to Slipknot’s success, writing and performing on several of their albums, including “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses)” and “All Hope Is Gone”. He also worked on several side projects, including Murderdolls and Scar the Martyr, which allowed him to explore different styles of music and collaborate with other musicians.

Legacy and Influence

Joey Jordison’s legacy is undeniable. His drumming skills and unique style helped define the sound of Slipknot and influenced a generation of drummers and musicians. He was also known for his energetic live performances, which helped make Slipknot one of the most iconic live bands of all time.

Jordison’s influence extended beyond the music industry as well. He was a mentor to many aspiring musicians and was known for his generosity and kindness. He also struggled with health issues throughout his life, including a neurological condition that forced him to leave Slipknot in 2013. However, he continued to make music and inspire fans until his untimely death in 2021.

Joey’s Gear

Joey Jordison was known for his unique and energetic drumming style, which required a specific set of gear to achieve his signature sound. Here are some of the pieces of equipment he used throughout his career:

1. Drum Kit – Jordison was known for using Pearl drums, specifically the Pearl Reference series. He would often use a 9-piece kit with sizes ranging from 8″ to 22″.
2. Snare Drum – Jordison’s go-to snare drum was the Pearl Joey Jordison Signature Snare, which featured a 13″ x 6.5″ steel shell and black hardware. He also used other snare drums, including the Pearl Free Floating Brass Snare and the Ludwig Black Beauty.
3. Cymbals – Jordison used a variety of cymbals throughout his career but primarily the Rude series by Paiste. He preferred bright, cutting cymbals that could cut through the heavy music of Slipknot.
4. Drum Heads – Jordison often used Remo drum heads on his kit, including Coated Emperor heads on his toms and a Coated Controlled Sound head on his snare drum.
5. Drum Sticks – Jordison was known for using Pro-Mark drum sticks, specifically the Pro-Mark Joey Jordison Signature Stick, which featured a unique design and size that was tailored to his playing style.

Overall, Joey Jordison’s gear was carefully chosen to create his signature sound and style, which helped define the music of Slipknot and other bands he played with throughout his career. His influence on the drumming community and the music industry as a whole will be felt for years to come.

In summary

Joey Jordison was an iconic figure in the music industry, known for his incredible drumming skills, unique style, and energetic live performances. His contributions to Slipknot and the nu-metal genre helped define a generation of music, and his influence can still be felt today. While his untimely death was a tragedy for fans and musicians alike, his legacy will live on through his music and the impact he had on the industry. The life of Joey Jordison is a story of passion, perseverance, and dedication, and one that will be remembered for years to come.

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