Slipknot's ex-drummer Jay Weinberg hints at firing, says he's 'heartbroken and blindsided'

Jay Weinberg, Slipknot's drummer of 10 years, is speaking out about his alleged firing from the band.

Weinberg, who replaced Joey Jordison, the group's original drummer, in 2013, shared on Instagram Saturday that he "was heartbroken and blindsided to receive the phone call" last Sunday, "the news of which, most of you learned shortly after."

"This is not the ending to the journey I’d dreamt of, and committed myself to seeing through − not by a long shot," he wrote. "But, despite the confusion and sadness, there is something that’s provided an equal amount of comfort. For many of you reading this: 10 years ago, we weren’t yet acquainted. And now, we are. For that, I’m thankful in ways I’ll never be able to fully express."

Weinberg added that his love for playing drums and music as a creative outlet remains. "Nothing will ever change that," he wrote.

"I don’t know how, and I don’t know when, but I look forward to creating loud, passionate, and heartfelt music that we enjoy together again," the drummer added. "Until then, please know it’s been the joy of a lifetime to spend the last 10 years with you, sharing in our love for this special corner of the music and art world."

Weinberg vowed that his exit from Slipknot is not the end of his career.

On Nov. 5, Slipknot announced it had parted ways with Weinberg in a post on the band's official website.

"We would like to thank Jay Weinberg for his dedication and passion over the past ten years," the statement read. "No one can ever replace Joey Jordison's original sound, style or energy, but Jay honored Joey's parts and contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it."

Jordison, a co-founder of the band, died in 2021.

The band did not disclose the circumstances that led to Weinberg's exit. USA TODAY has reached out to Slipknot’s representative for additional details.

"Slipknot is intent on evolving," the statement said. "The band has decided to make a creative decision and to part ways with Jay. We wish Jay all the best and are very excited for what the future holds."

Weinberg, son of Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg, joined Slipknot in December 2013. He previously performed with Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band, Kvelertak, Madball and Against Me!

'We wish Jay all the best':Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg leaves band after 10-year stint

Weinberg made his official debut with Slipknot on the band's fifth studio album ".5: The Gray Chapter" in 2014. The album went on to score a trio of Grammy nominations, including two for best metal performance and a nomination for best rock album.

The drummer also played on 2019’s "We Are Not Your Kind" and 2022’s "The End, So Far," both of which topped Billboard’s rock albums chart.

Contributing: Edward Segarra

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