As Slipknot celebrates the 25th anniversary of its eponymous 1999 album, Shawn “Clown” Crahan looks back on the major changes that have marked the group and himself over the decades.
The weight of the years: when the past meets the present
In 2024, Slipknot marked a quarter of a century since the release of their debut album, often described as revolutionary for the Metal scene. With destructive stage performances and a unique visual aesthetic, this album propelled the group to the top. However, Shawn Crahan, the group’s iconic percussionist, recognizes that nostalgia is tinged with a certain distance.
In an interview given to Once again!Crahan confides: “25 years ago, putting on this red jumpsuit didn’t seem ridiculous to me. Today, yes. How do you revisit something that changed your whole life? The world was different. The fans were different. Rock’n’roll was different. Everything was different.”
Revisiting this era has awakened ambivalent feelings in Crahan, who must deal with physical wounds accumulated over the years: “My brain would still like to go at 200 miles an hour, but my body limits me today. My left knee is dislocated for no reason. At the time, I wouldn’t have taken it into account. But today I have to work with my limits.”
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A tribute to missing members
The celebration of this anniversary cannot be done without thinking of the members of the group who are no longer there. Joey Jordison (drums) and Paul Gray (bass), founding figures, remain omnipresent in the group’s aura. Crahan explains: “I can’t talk about 25 years of this album without mentioning Joey and Paul, or even Chris [Fehn] et Craig [Jones]. The grief is immense. I have no regrets, other than not having spent more time with them.”
These memories become spiritual moments for him: “Joey and Paul are on my mind every night. It’s a spiritual reminiscence, and it’s wonderful. I spend a lot of time saying ‘Thank you!’”
A timeless legacy despite challenges
To celebrate the anniversary, the group has recreated the famous red jumpsuits of 1999 and a new series of masks inspired by those of the era. However, changes in the band’s lineup, members’ ages, and new physical constraints transformed their live performances. Crahan admits that these challenges have enriched his artistic perspective: “Today’s Clown works hard to still be ‘the Clown’ [du passé]but I don’t do this for money or fame. It’s always an inner quest, to forgive myself through performance and share that energy with those who love music as much as I do.”
A look towards the future
As Slipknot looks back over a 25-year career, the band remains a compelling force in metal, evolving with the times while remaining true to their essence. Crahan concludes: “The Clown of 25 years ago often smiles when looking at the Clown of today. And that’s normal. But I think this former Clown would be proud of everything we accomplished.”
