Joey Jordison, a founder of the heavy metal band Slipknot, drummer and co-writer of many of their biggest hits, died on Monday at the age of 46. A rep for his family said he died “peacefully in his sleep” but did not specify a cause of death.
“Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” reads a statement from Jordison’s family.
“To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart, and his love for all things family and music. The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans, and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time.” The family intends to hold a private funeral service.
The legendary band Metallica paid tribute to Joey Jordison on their official Facebook page with a photo of him on stage and the caption “R.I.P. brother.”
Joey Jordison served as a drummer for Slipknot, which he helped create in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1995.
The masked band burst onto the music scene with a self-titled album in 1999.
They enjoyed much success, including the selling of millions of records worldwide and the formation of the Knotfest music festival in 2012.
There were also controversies surrounding some of their violent lyrics. And founding bassist Paul Gray overdosed at the age of 38.
In 2013, it was announced that Jordison and the band would be parting ways.
Three years later the musician revealed to Metal Hammer that he had been diagnosed with a rare disease of the nervous system and said he was hurt after the band fired him via email.
“No band meeting? None,” Jordison told the publication. “Anything from management? No, nothing.”
He also said he was angered that some people thought his ailment may have been connected to substance abuse, but said he loved his bandmates and was open to rejoining them.
Jordison also launched other bands Scar the Martyr, Vimic and Sinsaenum.