Joey Jordison, one of the founding members of the American heavy metal band Slipknot, passed away on Monday at the age of 46, his family said in a statement. Slipknot has garnered a massive following since its inception in the early 1990s, with Jordison writing some of the band's best-known songs and helping them reach great heights. "We are heartbroken to share the news that Joey Jordison, prolific drummer, musician and artist passed away peacefully in his sleep," his family said in a statement. "Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow." As of now, no cause or place has been provided in regard to Jordison's sudden demise, with his family stating there will be a private funeral.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Slipknot's Jordison, who has starred in the science-fiction film Rollerball and the teen drama tv series Dawson's Creek, including making an appearance in the documentary Metal: A Headbanger's Journey, was raised in Des Moines, Iowa and was the eldest of three children. He began drumming at the age of 8 and rose quickly in the city's metal scene after he formed Slipknot in 1995 along with percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray. The three would meet and plan their work during sessions at the gas station where Jordison was initially employed and founded the band's name after one of their songs in the beginning stages of their careers. 

In time, Slipknot's popularity began to grow with their live performances and included the nine band members appearing in masks and sinister costumes. Jordison would often be seen in a white mask with black paint drippings and a crown of thorns over his head during the live shows. Slipknot became one of the few grunge-era heavy metal bands to keep the hard rock scene alive during the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, in 2013, Jordison was dismissed from the band, which he later stated was due to transverse myelitis, a neurological condition leading to him not being able to play.