Craig Jones has been a part of Slipknot for nearly 20 years now that's why fans were shocked after the metal group announced that he was leaving the band all of a sudden despite them embarking on a European tour in the coming weeks.
Taking to their official Instagram account. the group simply wrote, "To our fans, Slipknot is announcing that we have parted ways with Craig Jones. We wish Jones all the best for the future."
However, just minutes after sharing the shocking announcement, the metal rockers took down the post. They also didn't give more information as to why the keyboardist was leaving.
Original post from SLIPKNOT about Craig Jones. Deleted Tweet #Slipknot #craig #craigjones @slipknot pic.twitter.com/GRCGOhhYG4
— raivito (@raivito2000) June 7, 2023
Fans immediately reacted to the exit on social media as they were baffled about the news because there was no indication that the sampler was departing from the group.
"Not sure on the time difference but aren't they playing their first euro show in Austria in a couple hours? Either something happened today or he didn't travel," one fan wrote, pointing out that the band will be taking the stage tonight for their show in Europe.
"Damn near 30 years of service. Cheers to that guy!" another one wrote, while a user expressed, "I can't believe how Slipknot is losing their historic members, it's just not the same anymore, unfortunately."
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When Did Craig Jones Join Slipknot?
Craig Jones was the keyboardist of Slipknot since 1996. He took the spot of Donnie Steel who departed from the group after recording the group's first album.
Joey Jordinson was the main reason why the keyboardist joined the band as they previously worked together prior to his enlistment.
Jones initially began as a guitarist, but he later took the role of a sampler as the band needed more sound effects and samples through electronics and computers.
Since the role of guitarist had been opened again, the group decided to hire Mick Thompson.
Jordinson later noted that the keyboardist loved his new position, saying, he liked doing that anyway, coming up with all these noises and sounds."
Craig Jones Was Slipknot's Most Private Member
Nothing much is known about Craig Jones' personal life.
Throughout his career, Jones had been labeled as "The Quiet One" by fans as he was the most private member of the group. Frontman and vocalist Corey Taylor described him as the "quietly scary type."
Since the group of metal rockers is also known for their masks while performing, the keyboardist opted to wear women's pantyhose during the early days of his music career. His costume later upgraded to a helmet with nails until eventually a bondage mask with a zipper around the mouth area.
