**A Hard Day’s Goodbye: Why We Are Retiring From Music**
*By Corey Taylor and Shawn “Clown” Crahan*
After decades of living life on the road, pouring our hearts into every note, lyric, and performance, Shawn “Clown” Crahan and I have reached a pivotal crossroads. It’s not an easy decision, but one born out of reflection, exhaustion, and a desire to explore new horizons beyond the stage. Today, we announce our retirement from professional music, a choice that marks the end of an era but also a new beginning.
**The Journey: From Humble Beginnings to Global Icons**
Our journey began in the late 1980s and early 1990s. We were young, hungry, and filled with a relentless passion for music that drove us to create something raw and authentic. With Slipknot, we broke boundaries—musically, visually, and emotionally. We became known not only for our powerful performances but also for our unfiltered honesty and connection with fans who found solace and strength in our chaos.
Over the years, we experienced unprecedented success—Grammy nominations, sold-out arenas, and a dedicated global community. Our albums became voiceful anthems for those who felt marginalized or misunderstood. We poured our pain, rage, and hope into our music, believing it was our duty to channel those emotions into art that could transform lives.
**The Toll of a Life on the Road**
But behind the scenes, the toll has been immense. Touring is grueling—months away from family, constant exhaustion, the pressure to perform flawlessly night after night. The relentless cycle of recording, touring, and promotional obligations leaves little room for personal growth or reflection. Over time, the passion that once ignited our creativity has dimmed under the weight of fatigue.
Clown, as an artist, has always been a visual and conceptual innovator, pushing boundaries with his art and performances. Similarly, I have poured my soul into lyricism and vocal performance. Yet, the continuous grind has taken a toll on our mental and physical health. The anxiety, the strain on relationships, and the loss of personal time have led us to question whether the sacrifices are worth it anymore.
**Changing Perspectives and Evolving Priorities**
As we’ve grown older, our perspectives on life and art have evolved. We’ve become fathers, husbands, mentors, and friends. These roles bring new meaning and priorities that often clash with the demands of the music industry. We’ve seen friends and peers burn out or succumb to substance abuse and mental health struggles, reminding us of the costs associated with this career.
Moreover, the music industry itself has undergone significant changes. The rise of streaming platforms, social media, and digital distribution has transformed how artists connect with audiences—sometimes diluting the intimacy and authenticity that once defined our work. While these changes have democratized music, they’ve also made it more difficult to maintain the integrity and passion that fueled our early days.
**A Desire for Personal Growth and New Horizons**
Retiring from music is not a reflection of failure or regret but a conscious choice to prioritize personal well-being and growth. Both of us have ambitions outside of the stage—whether it’s exploring new creative outlets, dedicating time to family, or engaging in social causes close to our hearts.
Clown has expressed interest in expanding his artistic ventures beyond music and visual art, focusing on community projects and mentoring young artists. I plan to channel my energy into writing, producing, and perhaps even exploring other forms of storytelling. The idea is to leave the chaos behind not because we no longer love music but because we want to do so on our own terms.
**Acknowledging Our Fans and the Community**
Our fans have been the backbone of our journey. Their unwavering support, loyalty, and understanding have carried us through the darkest and brightest moments. We owe them a debt of gratitude for embracing our chaos, for standing by us when times were good and bad.
Retiring doesn’t mean severing ties; it’s about honoring the bond we share through music. We will continue to support and celebrate the community we’ve helped build. Perhaps in the future, we’ll return in different capacities—guest appearances, charity events, or collaborations that feel authentic and inspired rather than driven by obligation.
**The Emotional Weight of Saying Goodbye**
Making this decision has been emotionally taxing. It’s akin to saying farewell to a part of ourselves—our identity, our purpose, our legacy. The idea of not performing live or creating new albums feels surreal and bittersweet. Yet, deep down, we know that holding onto the past isn’t healthy or sustainable.
This farewell is not an end but a transition. It’s about recognizing that growth often means letting go, and that sometimes, the hardest days lead to the most meaningful new beginnings. We want to leave behind a legacy of honesty, resilience, and creativity that continues to inspire others long after the final curtain falls.
**Looking Forward: Embracing the Unknown**
As we step away from the spotlight, we are excited about what the future holds. The world is vast, filled with new experiences, knowledge, and passions waiting to be explored. We aim to live intentionally, savoring each moment, and embracing the uncertainties that lie ahead.
Our journey in music has shaped who we are—artists, individuals, and members of a community. We are forever grateful for the lessons learned, the friendships forged, and the memories created. Now, it’s time to write the next chapter—one that is defined by growth, reflection, and a renewed sense of purpose.
**A Hard Day’s Goodbye, but Not a Final Farewell**
Retirement from music is undoubtedly a hard goodbye, a farewell to decades of shared experiences and creative pursuits. But it is also an affirmation that life is about evolving, about listening to our inner voices, and about honoring what truly matters.
We invite our fans and supporters to celebrate what we’ve shared and to look forward to the new paths we will forge. Our music will remain a testament to our journey—an enduring legacy of passion, pain, and perseverance.
In closing, we want to say thank you—to everyone who has been part of our story. Your support has been our anchor, and while we may be stepping away from the stage, our hearts remain connected to the community that gave us so much. This isn’t just a goodbye; it’s a celebration of the past and a toast to the future.
**With gratitude and hope,**
*Corey Taylor & Shawn “Clown” Crahan*
