Corey Taylor on Which He Prefers: Slipknot or Solo?

Corey Taylor has been a frontman and a solo artist, but which does he prefer?

That tricky question was posed in a new interview with BBC Radio 6 Music by Mary Anne Hobbs. When asked, "Slipknot or Solo?" Taylor opted for being a solo artist. However, his reason for that is that his solo career is still so new. Plus, there's added freedom with being a solo artist compared to being in a band.

Interestingly, he did note, "Slipknot is something that can never be replaced in my heart, can never be replaced in my life, and I sincerely hope that I'm a part of it until I hang the mask up."

Speaking of "hanging the mask up": There have been two significant shakeups in Slipknot in 2023. First, sampler/keyboardist Craig Jones parted ways with the band. Jones's exit was announced in a brief statement. It said, "To our fans, Slipknot is announcing that we have parted ways with Craig Jones. We wish Jones all the best for the future."

Jones was a member of Slipknot for 27 years. He appeared on every single recording from the band, with the exception of their first demo, Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat., released 1996.

Second, and earlier this week, it was announced Slipknot and drummer Jay Weinberg parted ways.

Slipknot shared a statement via social media and their website saying, "We would like to thank Jay Weinberg for his dedication and passion over the past ten years. No one can ever replace Joey Jordison’s original sound, style or energy, but Jay honored Joey’s parts and contributed to the last three albums and we, the band, and the fans appreciate it."

The statement concluded, "But as ever, Slipknot is intent on evolving. The band has decided to make a creative decision, and to part ways with Jay. We wish Jay all the best and are very excited for what the future holds."

While this statement was deleted from social media hours after it was posted, it remains on Slipknot's official website.

Corey Taylor is one of the most prominent figures in rock today and for good reason: He always has something interesting to say, and it seems like that trait isn't something that's waning with age.

One of the funniest things Taylor said in 2023 was his rant against a certain Beatles song. That song? The 1967 stand-alone single "All You Need Is Love." In fact, his hatred led to him writing "All I Want Is Hate" for his second solo album CMF2.

In an August appearance on the Zach Sang Show, Taylor said, "'All You Need Is Love' is one of the biggest pieces of sh-t that I've ever heard in my life. And every time I hear it, I feel like I'm getting shot at."

Taylor's forthcomingness is truly part of his charm and what makes him so appealing. This year marks his 50th birthday. While some might shy away from the subject of such a milestone birthday, Taylor doesn't. Speaking with WRIF's Meltdown back in May, Taylor said about turning 50, "I think about it constantly. I think about it when I get up out of bed. I think about it when I step on stage, and I break my back. I'm like, 'What am I doing?!'"

He continued, referencing his solo shows, "But, then I have to remember: I'm a mental person, so this is all I want to do. Obviously, it's a different kind of set I used to do when I was younger, when I was a kid. At the same time, I still love to play. I still love performing, and I love to get out there and try to do it as hard as I can. Until I break my neck again, I think I'll just keep going."

Obviously, Taylor is no stranger to the interview pull quote. After all, he is also an accomplished author. In honor of Taylor's birthday today (December 8), here are five quotes from his books everyone should live by.