Slipknot turntablist Sid Wilson reportedly ousted as band denies dismissal claims
Conflicting reports over the departure of a founding turntablist highlight the ongoing internal restructuring of one of the live music sector's most lucrative heavy metal brands.
Reports indicate that Slipknot has permanently dismissed turntablist Sid Wilson, ending a tenure that began in 1998. Media outlets state that Wilson was formally notified of his termination on the afternoon of July 31st.
Guitarist Jim Root publicly challenged the narrative on Instagram, telling fans to take a breath and sit with the news. He wrote, “Don’t believe every thing you read... Just maybe even wait until there’s more information.”
If the dismissal is accurate, it represents another major shift in the corporate structure of the nine-piece masked metal act. The group has steadily replaced core personnel over the past decade, impacting the brand continuity that drives their massive global touring revenue.
The band parted ways with percussionist Chris Fehn in 2019 and sampler-keyboardist Craig Jones in 2023. Founding drummer Joey Jordison was let go in 2013 before his death in 2021, while founding bassist Paul Gray died while still an active member in 2010.
This latest shake-up would leave only four members from the classic lineup, including singer Corey Taylor, percussionist Shawn Crahan, and guitarist Mick Thomson. The current roster now relies heavily on recent additions like drummer Eloy Casagrande, bassist Alessandro Venturella, and an unidentified sampler recruited in 2023.
Wilson, who also records under the alias DJ Starscream, has appeared on every studio album except the group's 1996 demo Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat. His potential exit coincides with a period of significant personal and professional transition for the longtime member.
Further reports suggest that Wilson has split from Kelly Osbourne following a highly publicized relationship. The couple welcomed a baby boy in 2022 and became engaged backstage last summer.
The proposal took place in front of Ozzy Osbourne and his family during the metal icon’s final concert in Birmingham, England. That event served as a major milestone in the European live music calendar before the turntablist's reported departure.
The continuous turnover raises questions about the long-term stability of the band's classic lineup as a commercial entity. Industry observers will now wait to see if Root's call for patience proves accurate regarding Wilson's future with the group.
