Corey Taylor: I've Come Close To Walking Away From Slipknot

Corey Taylor might look like he has it all with Slipknot, but he has come close to giving it all up.

In an interview with Kerrang! Radio, the frontman discussed the Knot's 25-year legacy and what drives them to continue after all this time.

"We recognise that it takes work to be in this band and when we’re all going for it," says Corey, "there’s an appreciation that maybe before we felt we couldn’t show and the more that we all show that the better it feels as a brotherhood.

He continues: “There have been moments where I’ve come so close to walking away from this and I’m really glad that I didn’t to be honest. The payoff has been fantastic, especially now that we’re in this really great place and we are performing at a level that is still top notch.

“And writing music that is still really good and connecting with a whole new generation, which is insane. I don’t think we could have done it with anybody else.”

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He also spoke about how the band almost 'pulled a Sex Pistols' and talked about splitting up after just one album.

“Those were real conversations! I feel like we’ve failed everyone by making Iowa," says Corey. It was such a great thing to think about. None of this [massive success] was expected, man. Just on paper we shouldn’t have made it and yet here we are! It’s a weird feeling still.”

Speaking to Kerrang! last year, Corey explained how Slipknot have managed to last this long, and how he balances the crazy lifestyle with his personal life.

“When you get to this size, you have hired people you can trust, who can help you achieve your dream. When you have that kind of team, it allows you to take advantage of the free time that you have. Before, we were way more hands-on. We didn’t like to give up too much control or decision-making power. We thought we had to be smothering it, whereas now we realise we can take a step back and live our lives," said Corey.

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"We do a lot of the hard work, but we don’t have to do all of the hard work. If you don’t delegate you’re going to drive yourself insane, and I’ve seen it happen with a dozen artists where they get too inside their own heads and feel like they’re the only ones who understand. Sometimes you need that outside input just to see different ways to go.

"It’s allowed me to be a father, which is awesome. That was something I struggled with for a long time. Now I’m actually able to be home to see my daughter and son. I’m absolutely able to be there, I don’t need to fucking destroy myself any more. That’s something you can’t take away and something I’m very grateful for.”

You can catch The ’Knot on tour across Europe and America at one of the dates below.

Slipknot world tour 2020

February

11 Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum
12 Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
14 Vienna, Austria – Stadthalle
16 Hamburg, Germany – Barclaycard Arena
17 Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
18 Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle
20 Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
21 Stockholm, Sweden – Ericsson Globe
22 Oslo, Norway – Telenor Arena
24 Helsinki, Finland – Hartwall Arena

March

20 Tokyo, Japan – Knotfest Japan
21 Tokyo, Japan – Knotfest Japan
24 Singapore – Singapore Rockfest
27 Jakarta, Indonesia – Hammersonic Festival
29 Manila, Phillipines – Amoranto Stadium

May

30 Syracuse, NY, St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*
31 Mansfield, MA, Xfinity Center

June

02 New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
04 Quebec City, QC, Centre Videotron
05 Montreal, QC, Centre Bell
06 Toronto, ON, Budweiser Stage
08 Clarkston, MI, DTE Energy Music Theatre
10 Nashville, TN, Bridgestone Arena
12 Memphis, TN, FedExForum
14 Orlando, FL, Amway Center
15 West Palm Beach, FL iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
17 Charlotte, NC, PNC Music Pavilion
18 Alpharetta, GA, Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
20 Birmingham, AL, Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
22 Dallas, TX, Dos Equis Pavilion
23 Austin, TX, Germania Insurance Amphitheater
25 The Woodlands, TX, The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

July

31 Cologne, Germany – Stadium

August

01 Wacken, Germany – Wacken Open Air
07 Berlin, Germany – Waldbühne
10 Barcelona, Spain – Knotfest at Sea
22 Milton Keynes, United Kingdom – Knotfest UK