Joey Jordison

Joey Jordison – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Explore the life and legacy of Joey Jordison — the founding Slipknot drummer, his musical journey, challenges, philosophy, and memorable quotes.

Introduction

Nathan Jonas “Joey” Jordison (April 26, 1975 – July 26, 2021) was an iconic American musician known principally as the founding drummer of Slipknot. With blistering speed, creativity, and a relentless work ethic, he played a pivotal role in shaping 2000s heavy metal. Beyond drums, he also wrote music, played guitar, and contributed in multiple side projects. His story is one of brilliance, struggle, resilience, and influence.

Early Life and Background

Joey Jordison was born on April 26, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Steve and Jackie Jordison.

He initially learned guitar, but at age eight, his parents gifted him his first drum kit, which ignited his passion for rhythm and percussion.

Jordison’s adolescence saw him playing in local bands. One early musical outlet was a group called Modifidious, which he described as “total speed-metal thrash.” These experiences laid the groundwork for his later ventures in heavy metal.

Musical Career & Achievements

Founding & Rise with Slipknot

In 1995, Paul Gray invited Jordison to join a nascent group called the Pale Ones, which would eventually evolve into Slipknot. #1, a role he held through much of the band’s formative years.

He played on Slipknot’s early releases, including Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat and their subsequent studio albums. 9.0: Live (2005).

During his tenure, Slipknot became one of the most influential heavy metal acts of their generation, known for aggressive sound, theatrical performances, and complex percussion arrangements. Joey’s drumming—fast, precise, and creative—was central to that identity.

Side Projects & Musical Diversification

Beyond Slipknot, Jordison participated in numerous musical projects that showcased his versatility:

• Murderdolls: Joey took on guitar duties in this horror-punk / glam metal–leaning band.

• Scar the Martyr: Formed in 2013, this project saw him exploring more alternative and experimental sounds.

• VIMIC: Announced in 2016, it was another venture that allowed him to push into novel metal territories.

• Sinsaenum: A blackened death-metal supergroup where Joey returned to heavier extremes.

He also collaborated live or in studio with acts such as Rob Zombie, Korn, Ministry, Otep, and others.

Challenges, Health, and Departure

In late 2013, Slipknot announced that Joey Jordison was no longer in the band. transverse myelitis, a neurological disorder affecting his spinal cord and nerve function.

His health struggles were profound: in one quote, Joey stated,

“The doctors said I might not be able to walk again. Today, I can almost run, but back then, I couldn’t even stand up.”

Despite these challenges, he continued to create, perform, and record where possible.

Awards, Recognition & Influence

• In August 2010, Jordison was voted “best drummer of the last 25 years” by Rhythm magazine readers.

• He won the Drummies Award for Best Metal Drummer in 2010.

• In 2013, he was named the "greatest metal drummer" in a Loudwire readers’ tournament.

• In 2016, Joey was awarded the Golden God Award by Metal Hammer.

• After his death, numerous tributes from major musicians and bands honored his legacy; Slipknot dedicated their 2022 album The End, So Far to him.

Legacy and Influence

Joey Jordison’s impact on heavy metal drumming and the broader genre is lasting:

• He raised the bar for speed, complexity, and creativity behind the kit. Many drummers cite him as a source of inspiration.

• His experiments—merging percussive innovation, theatricality, and genre-blending—pushed boundaries of what a “metal drummer” could do.

• His struggle with illness and continued drive to create despite setbacks adds a human story of perseverance and resilience to his legend.

• Through his multiple projects, he influenced not just Slipknot fans, but metal, horror-punk, and extreme music communities broadly.

Famous Quotes of Joey Jordison

Here are some memorable quotes that reflect his musical philosophy, motivations, and worldview:

“Playing drums, for me, is like breathing. It’s like thinking. It’s like eating. It’s like walking.” “Always try and play with as many people as possible, even if it’s not your style of music, because you will learn a lot.” “I play guitar all the time, and I'm constantly thinking of songs… Every time I pick up a guitar, I come up with different riffs, all different bands I've been in.” “The simplest beats, on what rock music or any music has been formed on, can be the toughest beats to execute and perform...” “You can’t think about what other people think. You just can’t. It’s stupid. You’ve got to look inside yourself.” “Every day is a good day above ground… you’ve gotta respect that, because it’s something that can be taken away from you really quick.” “Slipknot’s not about who’s in the band. It’s a lifeblood. It’s a force. It’s about a connection between a bunch of people.”

These quotes showcase his deep relationship with music, his dedication to growth, his awareness of mortality, and his drive to be authentic.

Lessons from Joey Jordison

1. Master the fundamentals before pushing boundaries. His quotes about simple beats being hardest to play point to the necessity of strong foundation.

2. Stay curious and collaborative. His advice to play with all kinds of musicians reflects an openness that fuels creativity.

3. Persist through adversity. His fight with illness and determination to keep creating even when physically challenged is inspiring.

4. Authenticity over image. He emphasized looking inside oneself rather than chasing external validation.

5. View each day as a gift. His reflections on life above ground remind that the chance to create and play is a privilege.

Conclusion

Joey Jordison’s life was a blazing testament to talent, innovation, and resolve. As a founding member of Slipknot, he helped shape an era of heavy music. As an artist, he stretched into new sounds and roles. And in his struggle with illness, he revealed a human side of battle, loss, and creativity.

Though he passed away at age 46, his influence echoes—through the drummers he inspired, the music he left behind, and the legacy of pushing metal’s boundaries. If you want more deep dives—e.g. analyses of his drumming techniques, breakdowns of key songs, or more personal reflections from interviews—I’d be happy to help.