The men behind the masks talk… about the masks.
A new BBC show is set to investigate Slipknot’s fixation with masks.
On Friday February 5, BBC Two’s Artsnight will be airing a very special show looking at the phenomenon of performers who wear masks. Naturally, you can’t do that without speaking to Slipknot. Presented by Nina Conti, part of the programme features a revealing interview with Corey Taylor and Clown conducted at Slipknot’s recent gig in Gothenburg. As well as including rare footage of the band putting their masks on backstage, it also delves deep into the psychology of what it means to wear a mask.
In the clip, Clown recalls how his mask has been with him since he was still a teenager: “I had gotten a version of this mask when I was 14, and I was just drawn to it. It was awesome. I never knew why it was in my world but it was always around me. Then, one day, it just so happened it was that moment of clarity when I decided what I wanted to project. I’m, like, being taught something, more and more and more, and I haven’t even figured it out. This thing has no limits.”
Also joining in on the topic, Corey Taylor adds his own take, stating: “The mask for me has always been that physical representation of the person inside me who just never had a voice. It allows me to be me. That’s what it’s all about.”
The show airs tomorrow night on BBC Two at 11pm – watch a teaser of the show below:
Slipknot are touring the UK this month with support from Suicidal Tendencies and SikTh. Check out the tour poster below and grab your tickets from the Kerrang! Ticket Store!
Pick up this week’s issue of Kerrang! now to find out where Slipknot’s brilliant self-titled debut placed in The 50 Greatest Heavy Metal Albums Ever:
