Slipknot guitarist shares cryptic message as bandmate Sid Wilson 'kicked out' after almost three decades
Guitarist James ‘Jim’ Root has shared a statement on social media following reports that Sid Wilson was kicked out of Slipknot.
TMZ reported on Friday (31 July) that the DJ and keyboardist, 49, had been removed from Slipknot after 28 years.
Slipknot guitarist Root, 54, took to Instagram Stories that day and shared a statement soundtracked by the band’s 2008 song ‘‘Til We Die’.
“Don’t believe everything you read,” Root wrote. “Stop. Think. Take a breath. Sit with it for awhile. Maybe. Just maybe even wait until there’s more information.”
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We are still yet to know if or even why Wilson was reportedly kicked out of the group.
The rest of Slipknot’s current lineup including percussionist and founding member Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan; guitarist Mick Thomson and singer Corey Taylor has yet to comment on the reported departure.
Wilson joined the band in 1998 as their ninth member, providing scratching, horror-like music effects and audio manipulation to all of their studio albums.
Known for erratic, high-energy stage behavior, in 2008 he broke both heels after launching himself 10 feet off a stage riser, completing the tour in a wheelchair.
In August 2024, he suffered severe facial and arm burns during a bonfire explosion on his Iowa farm but returned to the stage just over a week later.
Wilson was previously engaged and in a long-term relationship with Kelly Osbourne.
The couple welcomed son Sidney in 2022 before calling off their engagement in March 2026.
Wilson popped the question to Osbourne at her father Ozzy Osbourne‘s final concert before his death at 76.
“She’s been in a challenging headspace for several reasons. It’s been very emotional for her. She’s had a lot going on,” a source told PEOPLE.
“Ozzy’s death still affects her deeply. She’s very focused on being there for her mom right now. They’re incredibly close, and that’s been her priority.”
“It’s been hard for Kelly and Sid to balance everything, especially with different priorities about where to spend time,” they added. “This has put a strain on their relationship.”
Slipknot was founded in 1995 by former lead singer Anders Colsefni, the late bassist Paul Gray and percussionist Shawn ‘Clown’ Crahan.
They later added seven more musicians including Wilson, Root, Corey Taylor, Mick Thomson, Craig Jones, the late Joey Jordison and Chris Fehn.
LADbible Group has contacted Slipknot and Sid Wilson’s representatives for comment.
Anish Vij