Happy Birthday to Jim Root of Slipknot!

Happy Birthday to Jim Root from Slipknot!

He was born James Donald Root, on this day, October 2, back in 1971 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He turns 52 today. Root is one of two guitarists in heavy metal band Slipknot, in which he is designated as #4. Early on in their career, each member of Slipknot was given a number 0 through 8. Mick Thompson, Slipknot’s other guitarist is #7.

Root began playing guitar at the age of 14. Metal guitarists such as Randy Rhoads, Dimebag Darrell, and Marty Friedman influenced him heavily. Before joining Slipknot, Root began performing with the thrash metal band Atomic Opera based in Iowa.

Soon after they broke up, he went on to play with the bands DeadFront and Stone Sour (respectively). It wasn’t until a few years later in 1999 that Root joined Slipknot, replacing original guitarist Josh Brainard. Root has since become one of the band's most important songwriters and performers. Fans know him for his melodic, yet explosive and technical guitar playing, as well as his aggressive stage presence.

Root was one of two guitarists in Stone Sour from 1996 through 2014. He appeared on five of the six studio albums that they released before going on indefinite hiatus. Stone Sour's music is a bit more melodic than Slipknot's, but it still has a ferociousness about it. That is in part due to Root's guitar playing, which has been a key element of the band's sound.

The first time I saw Jim Root perform live was with Stone Sour at the Electric Factory in 2007, part of the Jägermeister Music Tour. I also had the opportunity to speak with him prior to the show. The pictures in this post are of Root and I, post-interview, 16 years ago. We both certainly look much different today than we did back then.

Since Root’s departure from Stone Sour in 2014, he continues to record and tour with Slipknot to this day. He has also appeared on Slipknot turntablist Sid Wilson’s DJ Starscream album The New Leader and former Rob Zombie/current Motley Crue guitarist John 5’s album The Devil Knows My Name. Root also appeared in the 2002 major motion picture Rollerball.

Root is a respected guitarist in the metal community who has made significant contributions to the genre. Fans have praised him for his technical skill, his melodic sense, and his ability to write catchy riffs.

Listen To Brent Porche Weekdays From 3pm-7pm On WMMR.

Root is a respected guitarist in the metal community who has made significant contributions to the genre. Fans have praised him for his technical skill, his melodic sense, and his ability to write catchy riffs.