“The Departure of Craig Jones from Slipknot: An Exploration and Explanation of the Split Ahead of their Download Festival Gig”

Slipknot‘s Craig Jones Split Explained: Update on Download Festival Gig and Shawn Crahan’s Absence

Introduction

Slipknot fans might be surprised to learn that the band will be performing without two members—sampler and keyboardist Craig Jones and percussionist Shawn Crahan—at the Download Festival 2023, where they are due to headline on June 11th. Jones and the band announced their separation in a brief statement that has since been deleted from social media. On the same day, Crahan announced his temporary leave from the band due to personal reasons. This article discusses the details of Jones’ departure, the possibility of his replacement, and Crahan’s absence at the gig.

Craig Jones’s Departure from Slipknot

Jones had been with Slipknot since its early years in 1996 and was the second longest-serving member of the band, behind founding percussionist Shawn Crahan. Slipknot‘s social media posted, which has since been deleted, “To our fans, Slipknot is announcing that we have parted ways with Craig Jones. We wish Jones all the best for the future.” Neither Jones nor the band has given any reason for the split. Jones was known for his mysterious personality and rarely spoke during interviews, adding to the curiousness surrounding his departure.

Replacement for Craig Jones

Slipknot has teased a possible new member, posting a photo on social media of a person wearing a black mask with a zipper mouth and black hood, without any context. Fans have speculated that it could either be Jones debuting a new mask or his replacement. Some fans believe that Jones had already planned to retire, and a new member was already selected as his replacement. Fans are still in a state of confusion, waiting for any announcement from the band regarding Jones’s replacement.

Shawn Crahan’s Absence at Download Festival

On the same day as Jones’s departure announcement, Shawn Crahan, a.k.a. Clown, declared his temporary leave from Slipknot for personal reasons saying, “I would like to take a moment to tell everyone that I’m back home supporting my wife through some health issues, and I’ll be back on the road as soon as I can.” Crahan has been married to his wife Chantel since 1993, and they have four children together. Their youngest daughter, Gabrielle, passed away at the age of 22 in 2019. Crahan did not go into detail about his wife’s health issues, but he has assured fans that he will be rejoining the band as soon as possible.

Opinion and Advice

Fans have been expressing mixed emotions about this unexpected development in Slipknot‘s line-up. While some appreciate the band’s history and would like to see a new member, others find it disrespectful to announce Jones’s exit out of nowhere, with no explanation, and announce a replacement soon after. On a personal level, it is understandable and respectful for Crahan to prioritize his family, and fans can only support him. SlipKnot has yet to comment on Craig Jones’s departure since the announcement, but it is vital for the band to understand the fans’ need for answers and transparency.

Conclusion

The Download Festival performance would be a unique experience for Slipknot fans, as the band performs without Jones and Crahan. While Crahan’s return seems imminent, there has been no news on how the band will address Jones’s replacement, or if there will even be one. Fans must wait to find out who will fill Jones’s role and what the band has planned for the future.