Slipknot has officially parted ways with DJ and keyboardist Sid Wilson after nearly three decades with the iconic heavy metal band. The 49-year-old musician served as a founding member and integral part of the group’s sound since the band’s inception. Wilson was informed of his permanent dismissal late Friday afternoon on July 31st.
“Sid Wilson’s exit from Slipknot may have stunned fans but his bandmates had been ready to pull the plug for quite some time, TMZ has learned,” TMZ reported. “Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ the decision came after the group finally had enough of Sid’s behavior namely, the way he treated his bandmates. We’re told the firing was a long time coming — not some abrupt decision made in the heat of the moment.”
“In fact, our sources say Slipknot was planning to announce Sid’s departure this week but the band lost control of the rollout when we first reported Friday the group’s longtime DJ and keyboardist had been permanently kicked out,” they continued. “We’re told the early reveal caused the band to freak out behind the scenes with members frustrated they could no longer announce the split on their own terms.”
Slipknot had planned to announce Wilson’s departure on their own terms this week. The band lost control of the narrative when the news broke publicly on Friday, causing members to become frustrated behind the scenes. The early reveal forced the band to scramble, as they could no longer manage the announcement according to their preferred timeline.
The way Wilson treated his bandmates became the primary catalyst for his removal. The group decided they had endured enough of his conduct. Wilson’s exit comes just months after his highly publicized breakup with fiancée Kelly Osbourne, though the exact connection between his personal life and the band’s decision remains unclear.
Neither Slipknot nor Wilson himself has issued an official public statement addressing the situation directly. Band guitarist Jim Root posted a cautionary message on social media urging people not to believe everything they read. This statement underscores the gap between unconfirmed media reports and official band communications, leaving some ambiguity about the full extent of what transpired behind closed doors.
Wilson’s nearly 30-year tenure with Slipknot made him one of the band’s most enduring members. His departure marks a significant turning point for the group. His role as turntablist and keyboardist had been central to Slipknot’s distinctive sound and live performances throughout their career. The band now faces the challenge of moving forward without one of its founding architects, while fans grapple with the loss of a musician who helped define the sound of modern metal music.
