Things Could Get Ugly: Details of Chris Fehn vs SLIPKNOT Lawsuit Unpacked
It’s the best of times, it’s the worst of times—to be a Slipknot fan.
We’ve been giddy with anticipation for months over Slipknot’s impending studio album (their 6th) and corresponding world tour (the Knotfest Roadshow). For the past couple weeks, however, good news on the Slipknot front has been overshadowed by the ugly business of a lawsuit. Percussionist Chris Fehn, a member of the band since 1998, is suing fellow percussionist Shawn Crahan and vocalist Corey Taylor for purportedly underhanded business practices.
Related Article: On Eve of New Album/Tour SLIPKNOT Percussionist Chris Fehn Sues Bandmates
When word first got out about the brewing discord, details of the lawsuit were nebulous; some even questioned whether the suit even existed, hypothesizing it could be a publicity stunt. This reflects how much fans (aka maggots) see Slipknot as a family; the idea of one member suing others was almost unfathomable. But when Fehn was kicked out of the band after his allegations went public, there was no denying this is a family in disrepair.
Related Article: Chris Fehn is No Long Part of SLIPKNOT; Band Releases Official Statement
What makes all of this additionally disheartening is that Fehn has been a part of Slipknot for over 20 years; he’s a fan favorite who brings valuable creativity to the table, and many of us simply can’t imagine a Slipknot show without him. Known for his zipper-mouth and long proboscis, he’s been affectionately dubbed “Pickle Nose”.
Now, the full details of Fehn’s lawsuit against Crahan and Taylor have been revealed. Our friends at Rock Feed got their hands on the 15-page filing, and there’s a lot to unpack. If what Fehn is alleging proves true, it could be devastating, not just for fans, but for the entire band. As you’ll see in the video above, Fehn is alleging Crahan and Taylor haven’t just been short-changing him, but all of the other members of Slipknot.
If Slipknot were a family, this would make for some very uncomfortable holiday get-togethers. It’s also not beyond the realm of possibility to speculate this lawsuit could delay the upcoming album and/or even derail the Knotfest Roadshow. Time will tell.
While we watch what happens from the sidelines, let’s remember better times by revisiting the video for “Duality” below.
