Nathan Jonas "Joey" Jordison, the founding drummer and primary songwriter of the heavy metal band Slipknot, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 26, 2021, at the age of 46. Known worldwide as #1, his ferocious blast beats, hyper-fast double-bass execution, and pioneering use of a rotating drum kit shaped the modern heavy metal landscape. While his family released a heartfelt statement confirming his passing, they chose not to make public a specific medical cause of death.
For years prior to his death, Jordison lived under the heavy shadow of a severe, career-altering neurological illness. Understanding what happened to the legendary musician requires looking closely at his medical battles, his departure from Slipknot, and his subsequent return to heavy music through projects like VIMIC and Sinsaenum.
The Medical History: Acute Transverse Myelitis
The most significant health hurdle Jordison faced was acute transverse myelitis, a rare and debilitating neurological condition. The illness attacks the spinal cord, causing inflammation that can damage nerve fibers and strip away myelin insulation. Symptoms often include muscle weakness, sensory problems, paralysis, and severe neurological pain.
Jordison first noticed symptoms in 2010 while touring with his horror-punk side project, Murderdolls. What began as a creeping weakness in his legs progressively worsened. By late 2013, the condition had completely overtaken his lower body.
- Hospitalization: Jordison spent three months confined to a hospital bed, losing the ability to walk independently.
- Impact on Performance: The nerve damage compromised his foot speed and leg coordination, making it impossible to perform at the blistering tempos fans expected.
- The Recovery: Through aggressive physical therapy, heavy resistance training, and personal dedication, he eventually regained the use of his legs and returned to professional drumming.
In interviews, Jordison often described the illness as a form of multiple sclerosis, noting that it was an ordeal he wouldn't wish on his worst enemy. Despite fighting back and proving to the world that recovery was possible, the physiological toll of the disease remained a major chapter in his life story.
Departure From Slipknot and Misunderstandings
The onset of transverse myelitis coincided with a turbulent period in Jordison's professional life. In late 2013, Jordison parted ways with Slipknot. For years, the split was marked by silence and ambiguity from both sides, which fueled internet speculation and rumors.
At the time, band members and management handled the separation quietly, while fans and media outlets tried to piece together why a core founder was suddenly gone. Jordison later clarified that his bandmates had initially misunderstood his medical struggles, confusing the visible physical decline, exhaustion, and motor difficulties caused by transverse myelitis with substance abuse issues.
By 2016, Jordison publicly addressed the diagnosis at the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, where he received a lifetime achievement recognition. He expressed no lingering bitterness toward his former bandmates, encouraging fans to support Slipknot's ongoing music. Years later, Slipknot dedicated their seventh studio album, The End, So Far, to his memory.
Post-Slipknot Resilience and Final Years
Defying predictions that he would never play again, Jordison channeled his recovery into relentless creative output. He didn't let physical setbacks stop him from doing what he loved.
- Scar the Martyr: Formed in 2013, this heavy metal outfit allowed Jordison to step into a primary songwriting role, exploring aggressive alternative metal textures.
- VIMIC: Launched as his main vehicle following his physical rehabilitation, VIMIC showcased his renewed stamina and commitment to technical extreme metal.
- Sinsaenum: An international death metal supergroup where Jordison played alongside members of Mayhem and DragonForce, proving his double-bass execution remained sharp.
Through heavy touring schedules and studio sessions, Jordison maintained that rhythm was his true calling. His sudden death in July 2021 caught the global rock and metal community off guard, prompting widespread tributes from peers like Lars Ulrich and Mike Portnoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Joey Jordison die from transverse myelitis?
No direct medical link or official coroner report states that transverse myelitis directly caused his death. While he battled the rare neurological condition for years and experienced severe health complications from it, his family chose to keep the exact medical cause of death private.
When did Joey Jordison leave Slipknot?
Jordison parted ways with Slipknot in late 2013, though the split wasn't publicly confirmed by the band until December of that year. The separation was later tied directly to his struggles with undiagnosed transverse myelitis.
Was Joey Jordison still playing music before he died?
Yes. After completing intense physical therapy to regain his motor skills, Jordison formed and played in multiple extreme metal projects, including VIMIC and Sinsaenum, right up until his passing.
What instruments did Joey Jordison play besides drums?
While globally famous as a drummer, Jordison was a multi-instrumentalist. He played rhythm guitar for the horror-punk band Murderdolls and contributed guitar work and songwriting across multiple side projects.
