It has been confirmed that Slipknot are planning to release a 25th anniversary reissue of their debut album.
Speaking to Metal Hammer in a new interview, Slipknot co-founder and percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan revealed that the legendary heavy metal band are working on a reissue of their 1999 self-titled debut LP.
“I’m fully involved with putting together a reissue package, because I’m the band caretaker,” he told the outlet. “I’m the one that held everything over the years: all the DAT tapes from the [sound]board from all our first shows, all the videotapes from studio sessions at SR Audio and Indigo Ranch, different test mixes that we gave to other people that we said ‘No’ to at that time and that were never released, but are amazing.
“They would never have been listened to 25 years ago, but now that the golden egg has been laid, and everyone knows it, you’re not going to listen to another mix and go, ‘This is better’, you’re just gonna go, ‘Wow, this is Slipknot like this, 25 years ago.'”
Crahan went on to elaborate on what the reissue would entail, adding: “There’s new artwork, new photos from the time, there’s so much music that’s so punk rock from board tapes, there’s video documents, there’s a lot — audio, visuals, everything. It’s the best of all things Slipknot.”
Released on June 29 1999 via Roadrunner Records, ‘Slipknot’ was well-received by fans and critics alike. The LP peaked at Number 51 on the US Billboard 200 and has become certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA), making it the band’s best-selling album.
Speaking to NME about their plans for their shows and the future, Crahan said late last year: “In 25 years of writing seven albums, we’ve allowed ourselves to do anything and everything we want. We do what we want, as much as we want, when we want, how we want. I’m ready to move on from what has been, and move onto a world that I know needs to be. For instance, normally we’d have about two years on and one-and-a-half years off — we’re not doing that anymore.
“As far as the new album, that’s happening, but that’s another plan. These live dates are coming first and we’re here to have a good time. This band has never been happier, and that takes a lot because we’ve been through a lot — drugs, women, money, fame, ego, isolation. But we are on track.”
Elsewhere in the NME chat, Crahan shared that the band’s lost album ‘Look Outside Your Window’ would be coming sometime this year. “You have my word. The art’s been done. It’s been mixed. It’s been mastered. It is definitely coming out in 2024 and it’s such a great album,” he said.”Corey [Taylor] is my favourite singer ever, and you’ll never hear him sing in the same way as on this album, so it’s been worth holding it back. It’s such a different, timeless project.”
Earlier this summer, the percussionist provided an update while taking part in a Reddit AMA.
“The only reason ‘Look Outside Your Window’ has not come into this reality is because it is a timeless album that allows it to be presented at anytime. Up until now things we’ve been doing has been taking priority. It has to come out, I promise it will come out soon,” he said.
In other news, Slipknot are currently on their ‘Here Comes The Pain’ tour of North America, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of their 1999 self-titled debut album. They have been playing the record in full, including at a show at New York’s Madison Square Garden, which you can watch in full here.
For all of the anniversary shows, the band have revived their classic look, bringing back the red jumpsuits and elements of their early masks. They are also back on the road later this year, with a UK and European tour set to celebrate 25 years as a band – you can purchase tickets here.
The metal giants will kick off the tour at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam on December 5, 2024, before heading onto a trio of shows in Germany, followed by dates in Zürich and Paris. The band will then continue to Leeds, Glasgow, Manchester and Birmingham and will wrap up at London’s O2 Arena on December 20. Check out the full dates here:
Slipknot. Credit: Jonathan Weiner
Slipknot’s 2024 UK and European tour dates are:
DECEMBER
5 – Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ziggo Dome
6 – Dortmund, Germany, Westfalenhalle
8 – Stuttgart, Germany, Schleyerhalle
9 – Leipzig, Germany, Quarterback Immobilien Arena
11 – Zürich, Switzerland, Hallenstadion
12 – Paris, France, Accorhotel Arena
14 – Leeds, UK, First Direct Arena
15 – Glasgow, UK, OVO Hydro
17 – Manchester, UK, Co-op Live Arena
18 – Birmingham, UK, Utilita Arena
20 – London, UK, O2 Arena
Elsewhere, Crahan recently discussed the current state of the band and revealed “We’re not that close anymore”. He also shared that he wants the band to perform at the 2028 Olympic Games.
As for frontman Corey Taylor, the singer revealed that he’s making changes to his touring schedule and routine after he previously cancelled a North American solo tour, citing struggles with his well-being in January.
Last month, the band’s DJ Sid Wilson was hospitalised for serious burns to his face and arms after a bonfire explosion but has since returned to the stage.
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