Slipknot and masks? The two go hand in hand, making the outfit the perfect metal act for talking about wearing face masks in everyday life.
In fact, a pair of masked rockers have offered their insight into wearing masks in light of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). After all, if they can wear their cumbersome (and scary) masks for an entire concert, certainly others can wear a simple face cover when they go out in public.
The CDC now recommends the use of cloth covers to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, many municipalities are enacting mask mandates as new cases of coronavirus emerge. That’s undoubtedly why Corey Taylor and Jay Weinberg of Slipknot are wondering about their mask-wearing habits lately.
“The main thing is to find a mask that fits,” Taylor told Spin. “I know a lot of people complain about that, like hurting their ears and shit, but that’s because your mask is too small. Or your head is too big. Whatever the case may be, I’m not quite sure.”
The vocalist for Slipknot and the budding solo artist continued, “But think of it this way: He’s talking about a few moments of awkwardness against the possibility of being dead. Sold alone.”
Weinberg shares his bandmate’s sense of devotion to the mask. Namely, being a newer recruit to the Nine, he has underlined how critical the gang’s outfits are to the entire aesthetic of Slipknot.
“You just have to deal with it, you just have to accept,” Weinberg recently explained to The Metal Circus TV, as Brave Words pointed out. “It’s not fun, it’s not nice, it’s not one of those things, but it’s necessary, for sure.”
However, the Slipknot drummer did not respond to a query specifically related to COVID-19 face coatings. Still, the musician’s thoughts on the lasting discomfort associated with his Slipknot mask draw great parallels with people using simpler facial covers to protect themselves and others.
“It’s about transmitting art,” Weinberg added, “and it’s about transmitting the comprehensive approach to art that Slipknot takes, so that’s just part of it. And I understood that when I joined this band as a big factor.”
Slipknot isn’t the only band offering bold exhortations to wear masks. His masked brothers and former rivals in Mushroomhead feel the same way, as evidenced by drummer Steve “Skinny” Felton’s reflection on Spin. He even doubles up in masks at one point on the set of his act.
“You take off a mask in the middle of a song, and therein lies the big reveal,” said band leader Mushroomhead. “So if I can use two skins for three songs, you can wear one for 10 minutes at the grocery store.”
The Evolution of Slipknot’s Scary Masks
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