In his first extensive interview since departing the iconic metal band Slipknot, drummer Jay Weinberg has opened up about the circumstances surrounding his exit, suggesting he may have been unfairly targeted as the group navigated internal changes.
Weinberg, who joined Slipknot in 2014 following the departure of founding member Joey Jordison, described the situation as complex and emotionally charged. "When you're part of a machine that large, with so many moving parts, sometimes decisions get made that don't reflect the whole truth," he explained. "Looking back, I can't help but wonder if maybe I became a scapegoat for broader issues the band was facing."
The drummer also addressed the recent sale of his extensive gear collection on Reverb, clarifying that the move was part of a creative reset rather than financial necessity. "It's about clearing space for new chapters," Weinberg noted. "Each piece told a story from my journey, but holding onto everything can sometimes weigh you down artistically."
Reflecting on his diverse musical path, Weinberg traced his evolution through hardcore punk with Madball, the politically charged rock of Against Me!, and even a stint with Bruce Springsteen's legendary E Street Band. "Each of those experiences shaped me as a musician," he reflected. "From the raw energy of hardcore to the storytelling of Springsteen, it all informed how I approached my time with Slipknot."
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his departure, Weinberg expressed gratitude for his decade with the masked metal collective. "I gave everything I had to that band, and I'm proud of what we created together," he said. "Now it's about looking forward and discovering what comes next."