The Nine tragically loses One – The death of Slipknot bassist Paul Gray

Slipknot in 1999. The mask that made #2 become lovingly known as The Pig.

The deaths of Peter Steele of Type O Negative and Ronnie James Dio of Black Sabbath definitely saddened and shocked the metal community… and now, another talented musician has passed away. What a rough month, eh? Slipknot co-founder and bassist Paul Gray was found dead in an Iowa hotel room Monday morning. (I was depressed that it was on my birthday… *pout*) It’s reported that Gray’s family called the hotel asking staff to check on him because they couldn’t reach him by phone. A hotel employee discovered Gray’s body at about 10:50 Monday morning and quickly called 911.

My heart goes out to his family, especially his wife, Brenna Gray, who is currently pregnant with their first child. Knowing that Paul was really excited to be a father totally breaks my heart. I can only send my condolences to Mrs. Gray.

Slipknot in 2009

It definitely feels like Slipknot is forever changed. I’ve been a fan of their music since I first got my hands on their self-titled album back in 1999. (It’s crazy to think about that being 10 years ago!) Attending Slipknot’s chaotic and energetic concerts will forever be one of my favorite past times. The fact that Gray had such a big part in Slipknot as far as the writing process makes me wonder if there will be any more Slipknot. Not only that, but the fact that Corey Taylor gets to sing the way he enjoys in Stone Sour, accompanied by guitarist James Root. Drummer, Shawn Crahan is creating the music he’s always wanted to play, artistically, with Dirty Little Rabbits. And of course drummer, Joey Jordison has the Murderdolls. One would think that those masks have got to be a killer to wear by this point. Who knows what will become of Slipknot? Even if the band decides to discontinue making music anymore, they would stop when they were on top.

Rock on, Paul. We’ll miss you.

By the way, how weird is it that the freeze-frame for the video above is of Corey Taylor waving to Paul Gray? Very sad imagery.