Slipknot founder member Joey Jordison has died at the age of 46.
A representative for his family told Rolling Stone that he died peacefully in his sleep.
“Joey’s death has left us with empty hearts and feelings of indescribable sorrow,” a statement said.
Slipknot, pictured here at the 2006 Grammys, rose to fame in the ninties. Pic AP
“To those that knew Joey, understood his quick wit, his gentle personality, giant heart, and his love for all things family and music.
“The family of Joey have asked that friends, fans, and media understandably respect our need for privacy and peace at this incredibly difficult time.”
Jordison was part of an Iowa-based metal band called Pale One and later Meld when he suggested the group change their name to Slipknot in 1995.
The band released their first album in 1999, which went double-platinum, with the drummer’s rhythms considered crucial to its success.
He was also a central part of Slipknot’s song writing, alongside bassist Paul Gray, who died in 2010.
Shawn Crahan is now the only remaining original member of the group.
Jordison left the band in 2013 and three years later he revealed that he was suffering from transverse myelitis, a neurological disease.
After leaving Slipknot, he formed a new band called Scar the Martyr but the project was disbanded in 2016.
People paid tribute to the late drummer on Twitter and Grammy-nominated vocalist Jamey Jasta said: “You changed the game with Slipknot. Brought the blast beat to the mainstream! Gave kids a groove like no other.
“Perseverance would’ve never happened had it not been for Joey & the Slipknot camp.”