Journey drummer Deen Castronovo recently shared an emotional tribute to late Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison, comparing his skills to legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart. The tribute was posted on the Joey Jordison Family Instagram account as part of an announcement about Castronovo serving as a guest drummer for VIMIC’s newly released single “In Your Shadow.”
Castronovo reflected on his first impression of Jordison’s drumming abilities and their personal relationship.
“I first heard Joey’s playing when my son Kyle played me the ‘Iowa’ album. I was hooked! His playing wasn’t just blast beats and speed. He had wicked chops, and the way he built a drum part on all of the songs reminded of Neil Peart in his early days,” Castronovo said. “Every fill built up to the final rip your face off climax of the song. He was amazing!”
The Journey drummer also shared memories of meeting Jordison in person and their ongoing friendship.
“The first time I met Joey was in Tampa. Slipknot were playing the Ford Amphitheater the night before Journey was. Neal and I went down to watch them, and after the show, we both went back to say ‘Hi.’ Neal was most impressed with Joey. Sweetest and most down to earth human being you could ever meet!” he continued.
“We would text from time to time and he would always get right back to me. Most guys on that level would’ve ghosted me ‘cuz I’m the old guard. Never with Joey!”
The tribute comes as part of the announcement that Castronovo will perform with Joey’s drum kit for VIMIC’s latest release.
Castronovo’s comparison to Neil Peart carries significant weight, given Jordison’s foundational role in shaping modern metal drumming. Wikipedia documented that Jordison was the founding drummer of Slipknot and known as #1 in the band. He helped shape their sound from inception until his departure in 2013 and played on their first five studio albums.
Beyond his work with Slipknot, Jordison’s musical versatility extended to multiple projects. Wikipedia noted that he was involved in other projects like Scar the Martyr and the blackened death metal supergroup Sinsaenum, showcasing his range across different metal subgenres.
Jordison’s impact on metal drumming was profound and lasting. Louder Sound reported that his inventive drum patterns and showmanship inspired countless musicians and fans worldwide. His iconic drum parts in songs like “Duality” and “Wait And Bleed” are considered some of the most recognizable in metal history.
Despite facing significant health challenges later in his career, Jordison demonstrated remarkable resilience. Be In The Loop Chicago revealed that he battled a neurological condition called transverse myelitis that affected his mobility and drumming. He made a strong comeback with VIMIC, recording new material and performing live, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his craft.
The collaboration between Castronovo and VIMIC serves as a fitting tribute to Jordison’s legacy, bridging the gap between classic rock and modern metal while honoring the memory of one of metal’s most influential drummers.
