More theories emerged after Slipknot unveiled a series of shocking news earlier this month.
Fans were left shocked and confused at the same time after Slipknot announced Jones' departure from the band and the sudden unveiling of the "new member" wearing a mysterious mask. They have since linked several keyboardists to the group since the new member started playing with the bandmates soon after Jones left.
However, a new theory arose suggesting that the Slipknot keyboardist did not leave at all.
Slipknot Did Not Replace Craig Jones?
After Slipknot shared a photo of an unknown member wearing a new mask, speculations immediately emerged as fans questioned whether the "mysterious man" is still Jones. They suggested that the keyboardist probably chose a new look and never left the group at all, despite Slipknot's initial statement.
"Craig might not actually have left but instead re-branding?? ... what the flying f**k is actually going on," one said, while the other wrote, "imma live in my delusion and say that this slipknot "new member" is still craig with a completely different mask and persona."
Amid the new theory, there are also rumors naming several keyboardists as the potential new member of Slipknot including Roy Mayorga, Nathan Church, Kyle Sherrod, and Dorothy Hecht. Among them, Church scored the most spotlight due to downthesun's early relationship with the band.
For what it's worth, Church debuted with his downthesun bandmates and served as its keyboardist after initially working together with bassist Lance "Kuk" Collier in the rap metal band, Canvas.
As downthesun failed to win several Battle of the Bands, it won big when Slipknot noticed them and tapped them to become an opener in one of the group's past shows.
This, however, should be taken with a grain of salt as there has been no confirmation regarding the new member's identity. Aside from the mysterious photo, Slipknot has not shared anything else since performing with the reported new member for the first time at the Nova Rock Festival.
Slipknot Drummer Jay Weinberg Debuts New Mask
Fans' speculation that Craig Jones remains a member of Slipknot was also supported by the fact that Slipknot drummer, Jay Weinberg, unveiled his new mask before their 2023 tour.
On June 6, Weinberg teased fans with a video featuring sneak peeks of his mask before officially debuting it at the Nova Rock Festival - where the new member joined for the first time.
He also shared a photo of him wearing his new mask and posing like how the "new member" did.
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