Slipknot makes two major announcements today, just hours before starting a European tour that kicks off tonight in the UK at The Download Festival!!

SLIPKNOT made two major announcements via their social media earlier today (June 7). The first was the fact that co-founder, M. Shawn Crahan, known better as Clown, will not be traveling with the band during their upcoming tour dates to be at home with his spouse who is suffering from an undisclosed health issue.

“Hello to all of our fans, it’s the Clown. I would like to take a moment to tell everyone that I’m back home supporting my wife through some health issues, and I’ll be back on the road as soon as I can.

“We’ve been through this before and as always, we appreciate the love and support,” Crahan continued. “See all of you very soon.”

Secondly it appears that the group has parted ways with longtime keyboardist, Craig Jones.

The band released the following statement: “To our fans, SLIPKNOT is announcing that we have parted ways with Craig Jones.

No exact reason was given for the separation from SLIPKNOT. It is also not clear if he will be replaced for the band’s aforementioned spring/summer 2023 European tour. Said tour is slated to open tonight at the Nova Rock festival in Austria.

Jones joined SLIPKNOT in early 1996 as a replacement for original guitarist, Donnie Steele. However, he moved into the role of sampling and keyboards. Following drummer Joey Jordison departure in 2013, Jones was the second-longest-serving member in the band.