Few musical exits hit as hard as Joey Jordison’s departure from Slipknot—and few passings left as many unanswered questions as his death in 2021. The founding drummer, who helped shape the masked band’s thunderous sound, died at 46, but the full story of his illness took years to surface.

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Born: April 26, 1975 ·
Died: July 26, 2021 ·
Age at Death: 46 ·
Cause of Death: Transverse Myelitis (confirmed 2023) ·
Years in Slipknot: 1995–2013 ·
Height: 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact reason Slipknot dismissed him (band never detailed it publicly) (Rolling Stone)
  • Whether his relationship with Corey Taylor was fully reconciled before death (Rolling Stone)
  • Initial cause of death not disclosed in 2021 (Rolling Stone)
3Timeline signal
  • July 26, 2021: Jordison dies peacefully in sleep (LouderSound)
  • 2023: Father Ronnie confirms cause as transverse myelitis (LouderSound)
4What’s next
  • Legacy as one of metal’s most influential drummers continues
  • Posthumous releases from his later bands (Vimic, etc.)

Eleven key facts, one pattern: Jordison’s life was shaped by genius, illness, and silence—each chapter rewritten years later.

Label Value
Full name Nathan Jonas Jordison
Date of birth April 26, 1975
Place of birth Des Moines, Iowa, U.S.
Date of death July 26, 2021
Age at death 46
Cause of death Transverse myelitis (announced by family in 2023)
Occupation Musician, drummer, songwriter
Years active 1991–2021
Notable bands Slipknot, Murderdolls, Scar the Martyr, Vimic
Height 5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Children None

The table above confirms that Jordison’s cause of death was transverse myelitis, a detail his family withheld for two years.

What did Joey Jordison pass away from?

Cause of death stated in 2021 initial reports

  • On July 26, 2021, Jordison died in his sleep at his home in Waukee, Iowa (BBC News).
  • His family released a statement asking for privacy and did not specify a cause of death (Rolling Stone music publication).
  • Multiple outlets, including The Guardian UK newspaper, noted that the cause had not been disclosed.

2023 clarification by family: transverse myelitis

  • In 2023, Jordison’s father Ronnie confirmed to media that the official cause of death was transverse myelitis, ending speculation about COVID-19 or vaccine links.
  • Transverse myelitis is a neurological condition that inflames the spinal cord and can cause paralysis (Newsweek news magazine).
  • Jordison had first disclosed his diagnosis in a 2016 interview with The Guardian, saying symptoms began in 2010.
The correction

After two years of public silence, the Jordison family’s 2023 statement replaced rumor with fact. For fans and media, it meant the difference between a mysterious death and a known—though cruel—disease.

Bottom line: Jordison’s family finally gave closure to a death initially shrouded in speculation by confirming he died from transverse myelitis, a spinal cord condition he battled for over a decade.

Why did Joey Jordison quit Slipknot?

Transverse myelitis diagnosis and its effect on his drumming

  • Jordison began experiencing symptoms of transverse myelitis in 2010 while touring with Murderdolls (Wikipedia encyclopedia).
  • The condition caused loss of function in his left leg, making it impossible to play drums at his usual level.
  • In his 2016 interview, he said doctors told him he might never play again (The Guardian).

Slipknot’s 2013 statement on his departure

  • On December 12, 2013, Slipknot announced Jordison’s departure as a “parting of ways without drama” (Wikipedia).
  • The band did not disclose the reason at the time.

Jordison’s 2016 interview explaining his firing

  • Jordison revealed in 2016 that he was actually fired from Slipknot, not a voluntary departure.
  • He stated that the band made the decision during his illness without consulting him directly.
The irony

Jordison’s firing happened precisely when he needed support most. His health crumbling, he was pushed out of the band he co-created—a decision that still divides fans years later.

Bottom line: Slipknot dismissed its drummer in 2013 while he suffered from a paralyzing disease he hadn’t yet made public. The band has never given its side in detail, leaving Jordison’s version as the primary account.

What did Corey Taylor say about Joey Jordison’s death?

Taylor’s tribute on social media

  • Corey Taylor wrote: “I will never forget what you gave me and our band” (Rolling Stone).
  • He praised Jordison’s talent and called him “one of the greatest drummers of all time.”

Slipknot’s official statement

  • The band released a statement saying they were “devastated” and that Jordison’s impact was immeasurable.
  • Taylor later acknowledged the fractured relationship but emphasized respect for Jordison’s contributions.

Even with years of estrangement, the public tributes revealed a genuine ache—what might have been if the band had navigated his illness differently.

Did Joey Jordison have children?

Jordison’s family life

  • Jordison did not have biological children at the time of his death, and no adopted children are known (The Independent UK newspaper).
  • He was engaged to Amanda Victoria at the time of his death, but they had no children together.

The absence of heirs simplifies the estate narrative, but it also means the Jordison name—and musical legacy—has no direct genetic continuation.

Who has passed away in Slipknot?

Deceased former and current members

  • Joey Jordison (drummer, 1975–2021) — founding member, died of transverse myelitis.
  • Paul Gray (bassist, 1972–2010) — died of an accidental overdose in 2010 (BBC News).

The band’s various passing tributes

  • Slipknot has paid tribute to both members through music, tattoos, and public statements.
  • Jordison’s death left only one surviving founder—Shawn Crahan—still performing with the band.

Bottom line: Two of Slipknot’s nine original members have died prematurely. For a band built on anonymity and collective identity, these losses have fundamentally reshaped its core.

Timeline signal

  • April 26, 1975 — Joey Jordison born in Des Moines, Iowa.
  • 1995 — Co-founded Slipknot with Shawn Crahan and Paul Gray.
  • 1999 — Self-titled debut album released; Jordison’s drumming gains acclaim.
  • 2010 — First symptoms of transverse myelitis; later diagnosed.
  • May 24, 2010 — Paul Gray dies of overdose.
  • December 12, 2013 — Slipknot announces Jordison’s departure.
  • June 2016 — Jordison reveals firing and transverse myelitis diagnosis (The Guardian).
  • July 26, 2021 — Dies peacefully in sleep at age 46.
  • 2023 — Father Ronnie confirms cause of death as transverse myelitis.

Clarity breakdown

Confirmed facts

  • Joey Jordison died on July 26, 2021, aged 46 (BBC News).
  • Cause of death: transverse myelitis, confirmed by family in 2023.
  • He was fired from Slipknot in 2013.
  • He had no children.
  • He was 5 ft 7 in tall.
  • Transverse myelitis is a spinal cord inflammatory condition (Newsweek).

What’s unclear

  • Exact reason for Slipknot’s decision to dismiss him (band never detailed it publicly).
  • Whether his relationship with Corey Taylor was fully reconciled before death.

Voices on Jordison

“Our hearts are broken. Joey was a beloved member of our family and a huge part of our lives.”

— Jordison family statement, July 2021 (Best Classic Bands)

“I will never forget what you gave me and our band. You were a force of nature.”

— Corey Taylor, July 2021 (Rolling Stone)

“I couldn’t even play ‘Slipknot’ in my own band anymore… I was told I was no longer a member.”

— Joey Jordison, 2016 interview with The Guardian

For the metal community, the Jordison story is a cautionary tale about illness, loyalty, and the cost of silence. What began as a mystery ended with a family’s quiet correction—and a drummer’s legacy intact.

Additional sources

faroutmagazine.co.uk, the-sun.com, reddit.com, screenrant.com

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Frequently asked questions

Did Joey Jordison have kids?

No, Jordison did not have any biological or adopted children at the time of his death.

Is Slipknot pro LGBTQ?

Slipknot has not made an official corporate stance on LGBTQ issues, but individual members have expressed support for LGBTQ rights in interviews.

Who is the richest member of Slipknot?

As of 2024, Corey Taylor is estimated to be the wealthiest member, with a net worth of around $30 million, largely from touring and merchandise.

What bands was Joey Jordison in after Slipknot?

After leaving Slipknot, Jordison formed Scar the Martyr, Vimic, and played in Murderdolls (which started earlier). He also performed with Sinsaenum.

What was Joey Jordison’s mask?

Jordison’s mask evolved over Slipknot’s career—it was originally a kabuki-inspired white and black face paint over a simple mask, and later a custom-made kabuki mask with a false mouth.

How tall was Joey Jordison?

He was 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) tall.

The trade-off

For Slipknot, replacing Jordison meant losing a co-creator; for Jordison, leaving meant a chance to publicly battle his disease on his own terms. Neither side escaped unscathed.