This interview was published in a November 2017 issue of Kerrang!
Almost four years ago, Joey Jordison’s world was turned upside down.
On December 12, 2013, Slipknot announced that they had parted ways with the drumming powerhouse, one of their founding members. While details surrounding the decision were not forthcoming at the time, the drummer was also battling a debilitating condition called transverse myelitis – a form of multiple sclerosis, where sufferers experience an inflammation of the spinal cord which dulls electrical signals in the central nervous system. He lost the use of his legs, and if you’ve ever gawped in awe at his POV drumming videos and wondered how he played his double kick drums at such blurring speed during the Iowan nonet’s shows, then you’ll understand the gravity of his diagnosis.
The metal world could well have lost one its greatest drummers. But, four years on, he’s here, thanks to his gritty self-determination, and courses of gruelling physiotherapy.
It’s apparent when Kerrang! meets the drummer at Gibson’s showroom, a building tucked in a side street away from the bustle of London’s Oxford Street, that he’s making the most of his second chance of playing again, with not one but two bands – Vimic and Sinsaenum – the focus of his dramatic comeback.
“I was thinking about the fans when I was going through rehabilitation,” says Joey, as we retreat to a quiet room to chew the fat. “They put me where I am, and it’s a responsibility to get back to doing what I do best. I don’t take it for granted anymore. Every time I go onstage and get behind the kit, it’s a gift, and I’m so thankful to be able to play again…”
How many times have you been to London?
“You know, I couldn’t tell you. It’s weird you ask that question, because I woke up and thought the same thing. It’s been 18 years since I first started coming here. The thing is, I just love the fact I get to come back here all the time. The fans are always amazing, the press is the best here, and I love playing here. I haven’t got a bad thing to say about London.”