Slipknot guitarist Jim Root has issued a measured response following the shocking news that the band has permanently removed longtime DJ and keyboardist Sid Wilson. Root took to Instagram to encourage fans to exercise restraint and critical thinking. He posted: “Don’t believe everything you read. Stop. Think. Take a breath. Sit with it for a while. Maybe. Just maybe even wait until there’s more information.”
Root’s statement came shortly after the announcement that Sid Wilson was notified late Friday afternoon on July 31, 2026, that he had been permanently kicked out of the band. A source close to the band confirmed the decision, though no official explanation was provided for the removal. TMZ reported that: “Sid Wilson is officially out as Slipknot’s DJ and keyboardist, TMZ has learned. A source close to the band and with direct knowledge tells TMZ Sid was notified late Friday afternoon that he’s been permanently kicked out of the band. It’s currently unclear what led to him getting the boot.”
Wilson’s departure marks the end of nearly 27 years with the Iowa metal legends. The 49-year-old musician, known to fans as #0, has been an integral part of Slipknot’s sound since joining the group in 1999. His turntable work helped define the industrial-meets-nu-metal aesthetic that characterized their early records. His role as both DJ and keyboardist made him a distinctive presence in the band’s live performances and studio recordings throughout their career.
The reason behind Wilson’s removal remains unclear. Neither Slipknot nor Wilson himself has issued an official statement addressing the decision. The band has not publicly commented on the circumstances surrounding the firing, leaving fans and media outlets to speculate about what prompted the sudden action. This lack of transparency has intensified curiosity within the metal community.
Wilson’s personal life had undergone significant changes in recent months. He ended his engagement to Kelly Osbourne earlier in 2026, just five months before his removal from the band. No direct connection has been established between the breakup and the band’s decision to remove him. The timing of these events has nonetheless drawn attention from entertainment outlets covering the story.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through Slipknot’s fanbase, given Wilson’s long tenure and prominent role in the band’s identity. With no official statement from the band explaining the decision, Root’s call for patience and critical thinking appears to be an attempt to manage the narrative and prevent premature conclusions. The metal community now awaits further clarification from either Slipknot or Wilson himself regarding the circumstances of this significant lineup change.
