Slipknot released a statement announcing they have parted ways with sampler and keyboardist Craig Jones.
The statement was shared across the band’s social media channels. It simply read, “To our fans, Slipknot is announcing that we have parted ways with Craig Jones. We wish Jones all the best for the future.”
Jones was a member of Slipknot for 27 years. He appeared on every single recording from the band, with the exception of their first demo, Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat., released 1996.
— Slipknot (@slipknot) June 7, 2023
A number of fans seemed taken aback by the news, considering Jones’s lengthy history with Slipknot. One responded on Twitter, “well..im glad i watched u guys before this happened. lol.” Another wrote, “Few lines of dialogue for an OG? Just don’t make sure you wait to say something positive until it’s too late.”
A replacement for Jones wasn’t announced, despite Slipknot having a number of festival bookings this summer, including the Download Festival and Inkcarceration. A full list of upcoming shows can be found at Slipknot1.com.