Former SLIPKNOT drummer Jay Weinberg recently underwent surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left hip and to address a misshapen femur. Although this health issue didn’t affect his drumming, he opted to have the surgery during a break from touring and recording.
He wrote on social media: “This Tuesday, after three years of careful planning, I underwent an outpatient procedure to repair the torn labrum of my left hip and shave down a misshapen part of my femur — a condition that never impacted my drumming in any way, but I’ve wanted to take care of during downtime from my recording and touring schedule.
“Since 2020, my priority has been for my playing to go uninterrupted, until a window in the schedule would allow me to complete an expected recovery of about four months. In May, that schedule started to show that this window would be now.
“After a follow-up MRI in August, I made the decision (alongside those close to me in my personal and professional life) to schedule this surgery immediately following the last performance of 2023, with the ambition and expectation of myself and my doctors to be stage-ready for the next show in April. A commitment I made to myself and to you — although news of this was kept internal. In fact, knowing I wouldn’t be able to play for a few months was partially my motivation to create my @mixwave instrument — so I could remain collaborative with my own sound until I could return to my drums.
“Though my commitment to healing remains the same, I’ll be disappointed to not see all of you in Vegas as planned,” he continued, referencing SLIPKNOT‘s upcoming appearance at the 2024 edition of the Sick New World festival in Las Vegas.
“Perhaps some of you are facing your own challenges — we all do. No matter how down-and-out you might feel, there are reasons to be hopeful, and to keep an actively positive mindset. Have your own back. Surround yourself with positive people. Focus on what gives your life meaning and purpose.
“I spent today in a part of NYC that first inspired me to pursue a creative life. It was affirming to revisit a place that brings back memories of discovering metal, punk, and hardcore.
“I believe I’ve always shot from the hip (lol) with you. No reason to change that now. I look forward to sharing my journey with you, and keeping you up-to-date in my adventure back to 100%. Thanks to my awesome team of doctors, I’m already on the path back to what I love doing the most!
“The path forward through this recovery will be a challenge, but it’s one I’m up for.”
On November 5, SLIPKNOT cited a “creative decision” for parting ways with Weinberg, who had contributed to several successful albums during his tenure with the band. Despite the setback, Jay remains optimistic about his musical journey ahead.
