Former Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg recently opened up about the challenges he faced when joining the band after replacing the late Joey Jordison. He shared his perspective in an interview with Drummer’s Review.
Weinberg discussed the delicate balance required when stepping into such an established role. He also explained the mindset he adopted to honor the band’s legacy.
“I think approaching music, whether it’s in purely the creation of it or coming into a project that exists and understanding the history and respecting the history, those are all hugely important things to me,” Weinberg said.
He elaborated on the careful approach needed when joining an established band with such a rich history.
“To be in the present moment and playing what’s inspired, but also when you’re tasked with respecting that past, it’s at times, maybe a fine line to ride,” he continued. “But I think if you, in your heart, have the right mindset and the approach of wanting to approach things with respect…”
Weinberg emphasized how his fan perspective initially guided his approach to the role.
“And in the case of Slipknot, a significant part of that was approaching things in a fan-first sort of perspective,” he explained. “I knew that to respect such material meant not approaching it 99 percent or less. And that meant approaching it with a hundred percent tenacity, focus, drive, respect. Those were all the things that I kind of kept in mind.”
The drummer also reflected on the rapid transition from fan to collaborator within the band.
“I mean, we started playing together and the very next day we started working on new material together,” he said. “So in the course of an afternoon, to shift from that fan-first perspective to then kind of crossing a threshold as a co-creator and collaborator and all those sorts of things, you kind of have to make a switch in your head.”
Weinberg’s comments highlight the immense challenge of following in the footsteps of one of metal’s most influential drummers. They also reveal the weight of expectation that came with the role.
The legacy Weinberg inherited was substantial. Joey Jordison had fundamentally shaped Slipknot’s sound and identity. Drummer World reported that Jordison was not just a drummer but a cornerstone of Slipknot’s aggressive, percussive sound. He brought together thrash, death metal, and industrial influences with relentless, machine-like precision. His technical prowess and creative vision helped define the band’s unique approach to heavy music.
Jordison’s impact on Slipknot extended far beyond his drumming abilities. Louder Sound noted that his absence couldn’t have been filled by just anyone walking through the door. Tributes after his passing underscored that he wasn’t merely the drummer but a key figure in shaping the band’s entire identity. This made Weinberg’s task of stepping into the role particularly daunting. He had to honor not just a musical legacy but an integral part of the band’s creative foundation.
The enduring influence of Jordison continues to resonate with fans years after his passing. Vibing Network revealed that Joey Jordison’s family recently received fan support to independently release his final, previously shelved album. This highlights his ongoing impact on metal fans and the music community. This demonstrates the lasting connection between Jordison and the metal community. It further emphasizes the significance of the role Weinberg had to fill.
Weinberg served as Slipknot’s drummer from 2014 to 2023 before parting ways with the band. He successfully navigated the challenging transition from fan to collaborator while maintaining respect for his predecessor’s monumental legacy.
