Corey Taylor of Slipknot is opening up about his mental wellbeing.
After canceling a string of solo North American concerts earlier this month to better his mental health, the metal musician announced several Southeast Asian shows for this spring and took to Instagram on Wednesday to explain the decision.
In a video shared to the social media platform, Taylor revealed he suffered a “breakdown” and nearly relapsed following years of sobriety.
“The truth of the matter is, I understand why so many of you are upset. I’m just going to break it down for you,” explained the 50-year-old singer-songwriter, addressing fans’ disappointment toward the post-tour-cancellation concert announcements.
“I, over the last year, have had a complete and utter breakdown of boundaries, mental health, ego, entitlement, the whole nine yards culminating in a very, very real, very near relapse,” said Taylor. “I kinda don’t recognize myself.”
The performer, who’s been open in the past about his experience with alcoholism, added that he “needed time to reset” in order to “start working on my heart and mind and get straight.”
As for the reason behind going forward with his Southeast Asian concerts, Taylor said, “It’s literally four shows, it’s literally a week. I’m gonna see how I do with that and take it day by day basically.”
“I’m working on self care right now, I’m getting the help I need, and surrounding myself with my family. To everyone concerned with me, thank you very much, I appreciate it. To anyone who’s upset, I hope this answers your questions,” continued the Grammy winner.
Taylor stated at the end of the video, “I’m just doing the best for me right now, it’s a long road and I don’t know what’s at the end of it but I look forward to it, I have gratitude for it and I hope you can show me some patience.”
Earlier this month, the musician spoke about his mental health struggles in a social media post about the North American tour cancellation.
“For the past several months my mental and physical health have been breaking down, and I reached a place that was unhealthy for my family and I,” wrote Taylor.
He added at the time, “I know this decision will come as a shock to some and may be regarded as unpopular by others – but after taking a hard look at where I am and where I was going, I need to pull myself back and be home with my family for the time being.”
Corey Taylor of Slipknot and Stone Sour performs onstage during DIMEBASH 2019 at The Observatory on January 24, 2019 in Santa Ana, California.
Taylor’s upcoming concerts include two in Tokyo on March 25 and 26, one in Osaka, Japan, on March 28 as well as one in Manila, Philippines, on April 1.
If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.