Joey Jordison: Cause of Death, Illness, and Legacy

Few drummers have left a mark as deep as Joey Jordison. The Slipknot co-founder’s final years were overshadowed by a neurological battle, leaving unanswered questions about his death and departure from the band.

Full name: Nathan Jonas Jordison ·
Date of birth: April 26, 1975 ·
Date of death: July 26, 2021 ·
Age at death: 46 ·
Years active: 1991–2021 ·
Known for: Drummer of Slipknot

Seven key facts cover the arc of his life, from Iowa beginnings to a career cut short.

What did Joey Jordison pass away from?

What was the disease that Joey Jordison had?

Joey Jordison died on July 26, 2021, at the age of 46. His family confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep, but did not disclose the specific cause of death (Rolling Stone). Years earlier, however, Jordison had publicly revealed that he was diagnosed with a neurological condition called transverse myelitis (Newsweek).

In a 2016 interview quoted by Rolling Stone, Jordison said: “I have a horrible disease called transverse myelitis. I lost my legs.” The condition is an uncommon neurological disorder that inflames the spinal cord, often causing leg weakness and sensory problems (Newsweek).

What is transverse myelitis?

Transverse myelitis is an inflammation that affects both sides of the spinal cord (Blunt Magazine). According to Newsweek, the exact cause remains unknown in many cases. It can damage the protective covering of nerve fibers and disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body.

The implication: fans and journalists alike must separate what is known—his documented illness—from what remains undisclosed.

Why did Slipknot sack Joey?

When was Joey Jordison fired from Slipknot?

Joey Jordison was fired from Slipknot in 2013 (Rolling Stone). The band cited personal issues and an inability to perform, which Jordison later attributed to the effects of transverse myelitis (Rolling Stone).

What did Slipknot say about Joey’s departure?

Slipknot’s official statement at the time said: “We regret to announce that we have parted ways with Joey Jordison. This has been a very difficult decision for us.” The band described the split as mutual, but Jordison later contradicted that, saying he was fired and only learned about his illness after the fact (Mirror).

The trade-off: for fans, the departure story remains a he-said-they-said, with neurological disease at the center of the conflict.

What did Corey Taylor say about Joey Jordison’s death?

How did Slipknot members react to Joey’s death?

Corey Taylor posted a heartfelt tribute calling Jordison “one of the greatest drummers of all time” and expressed regret over their falling out (Rolling Stone). The entire band released a joint statement honoring his legacy, while his family asked for privacy (Rolling Stone).

“He was one of the greatest drummers of all time, and a great friend. I’m sorry things ended the way they did.”

— Corey Taylor, quoted by Rolling Stone

What was the family’s statement?

The Jordison family said: “The Jordison family is heartbroken to announce the death of Joey Jordison. He passed away peacefully in his sleep” (Rolling Stone). They did not provide further details, a pattern consistent across multiple outlets (Mirror).

The pattern: private grief, public respect, and an intentional blank where the cause of death would sit.

Who has passed away in Slipknot?

How did Paul Gray die?

Paul Gray, Slipknot’s original bassist, died in 2010 from an accidental overdose of morphine and fentanyl (Wikipedia). He was 38.

Are there any other deceased members?

Joey Jordison is the second original member to die. No other founding members have passed away. The band continues with a rotating lineup of percussionists and drummers.

Why this matters: the death of two core members within eleven years reshapes the legacy of a band that once seemed invincible.

What was Joey Jordison’s early life like?

Where did Joey Jordison grow up?

Nathan Jonas Jordison was born in Des Moines, Iowa, on April 26, 1975 (Wikipedia). He grew up in the American Midwest and began playing drums at the age of five.

When did Joey start drumming?

He started playing drums at age five and co-founded Slipknot in 1995 (Wikipedia). Before Slipknot, he played in local bands around Des Moines. His early influences included hard rock and heavy metal, setting the stage for the aggressive style that would define his career.

The implication: his early talent was matched by a tragic health battle that ultimately cut his career short.

For the drumming community, the choice is clear: remember the technique, the speed, the albums—but also hold space for the unanswered health questions that shadowed his final years. Without an official cause of death, the legacy of Joey Jordison remains both monumental and incomplete.