Former Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg has revealed he’s still coming to terms with his departure from the heavy metal group but his “fantastic therapist” is helping him on his journey.
In November, Slipknot announced that they have parted ways with Weinberg after the drummer spent nearly a decade as a member of the group. In a statement, the band called it a “creative decision”, suggesting Weinberg had been fired rather than chose to leave.
They said in a message: “We would like to thank Jay Weinberg for his dedication and passion over the past ten years. No one can ever replace Joey Jordison’s original sound, style or energy, but Jay honoured Joey’s parts and contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it.”
Slipknot then explained their decision by claiming they are “intent on evolving” which is why they have decided to part ways with the drummer.
Weinberg, who was expecting to head out on tour with the band, didn’t expect to receive his marching orders, and understandably, the news was difficult to take.
Several days after Slipknot revealed their decision, he fired back with a statement of his own. He told fans: “I was heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call that I did on the morning of November 5th; the news of which, most of you learned shortly after. However, I’ve been overwhelmed by — and truly grateful for — the outpouring of love and support I’ve received from this incredible community I consider to be my creative and artistic home.”
Weinberg also promised that he wouldn’t leave the music business behind, stating, “This is not the ending to the journey I’d dreamt of, and committed myself to seeing through — not by a long shot.”
Now, several months later, Weinberg has appeared on the One Life One Chance With Toby Morse podcast to provide an update on how he’s coping with no longer being a member of Slipknot. The drummer said: “Truth be told, I’m at kind of a point where I’m not quite yet really ready to talk about [the split], really. And that’s not to dismiss the conversation, but I’ve spent time, and spend time, just processing the entire experience. And the experience not being the last six months, but really the last ten years.”
Although he’s unable to fluently communicate his thoughts on the split from the band at this stage, Weinberg has sought therapy which he is incredibly gracious for. “I have a fantastic therapist who helps me. Before I speak on it, it’s important for me to do the right work of processing these events that, you know you spend ten years exclusively committed to one thing,” he said.
Weinberg continued: “There’s a lot to process that on the other side… And I think there is definitely a time where I’ll speak to my lived experience over those 10 years — just not quite yet.”
Slipknot are currently on a lengthy arena tour across North America, which is set to arrive in Europe later this year and conclude with two performances at The O2 Arena in London in December.