Sid Wilson exits Slipknot after 28 years

Slipknot announced the permanent departure of founding DJ Sid Wilson in 2026, ending a two‑decade tenure that helped define the band’s sound.

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DJ Sid Wilson performing in metal band Slipknot in 2005.
Photo: Gene Smirnov - [1] - philadelphia commercial portrait and music photographer. / CC BY via Wikimedia Commons · source

Sid Wilson, the DJ known as #0 in Slipknot, announced his permanent departure from the band in 2026 after a 28‑year career, ending his contribution to the group's sound and leaving fans wondering about the undisclosed reasons behind his exit.

Sidney George Wilson is no longer a member of Slipknot. Wilson joined the band in 1998 and helped define its early sound. He was officially designated #0 until his departure was confirmed in 2026 after years of activity. The announcement came via social media posts that were later deleted, leaving fans with little official explanation. Wilson had been a constant presence since the group’s formation, contributing keyboards, turntables and occasional percussion. His exit follows a brief split from Kelly Osbourne earlier in the year. The news matters because Wilson was one of the band’s founding figures and his removal marks a rare change in Slipknot’s long‑standing lineup. With core members still silent, the development raises questions about the group’s future direction.

Wilson joins Slipknot and helps shape its sound

Sidney George Wilson joined Slipknot in 1998 as the band’s DJ, keyboardist and turntablist, taking the role designated #0. His electronic contributions became a hallmark of the group’s early recordings, including the breakthrough album that brought the band to mainstream attention. Wilson’s presence helped define Slipknot’s signature blend of metal and electronic experimentation, cementing his place as a foundational member during the band’s rise to global prominence.

Sidney George Wilson joined Slipknot in 1998 as the band’s DJ, keyboardist and turntablist, taking the role designated #0. His electronic contributions became a hallmark of the group’s early recordings, including the breakthrough album that brought the band to mainstream attention. Wilson’s presence helped define Slipknot’s signature blend of metal and electronic experimentation, cementing his place as a foundational member during the band’s rise to global prominence.

  1. Sid Wilson joins Slipknot

  2. Sid Wilson departs from Slipknot

  3. Band announces Sid Wilson's exit via social media posts that are later deleted

  4. Sid Wilson is reported to have been permanently kicked out of Slipknot

  5. Sid Wilson's exit occurs just four months after his split from Kelly Osbourne

  6. Sid Wilson introduces himself as still being “from Slipknot”

  7. Sid Wilson's exit described as a permanent removal from the band

  8. Sid Wilson's exit described as having stunned the metal world with no official reason shared

  9. Some fans link Sid Wilson's exit to his behavior

  10. Some fans believe there is more to the story behind Sid Wilson's removal

  11. Rest of Slipknot's current lineup (Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, Mick Thomson, Corey Taylor) have not commented on the reported departure

  12. Sid Wilson's exit described as a long‑time coming, with bandmates finally having had enough

Departure announced through deleted social media posts

In 2026 Slipknot confirmed Wilson’s exit by posting on social media, then deleting the messages. The posts labeled his departure as a permanent removal from the lineup. The announcement arrived just four months after his split from Kelly Osbourne. No official explanation was given for the exit.

In 2026 Slipknot confirmed Wilson’s exit by posting on social media, then deleting the messages. The posts labeled his departure as a permanent removal from the lineup. The announcement arrived just four months after his split from Kelly Osbourne. No official explanation was given for the exit. Wilson joined Slipknot in 1998, designated #0, and contributed to the band’s mainstream breakthrough in 1998. His exit stunned fans, though no reason was disclosed. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, Mick Thomson and Corey Taylor have not commented on the reported departure.

Fan speculation surrounds the reasons for the exit

Fans have suggested that Wilson’s alleged behavior may have contributed to his departure, though no specifics have been confirmed. Some observers note that the split from Kelly Osbourne preceded the band’s announcement, but the exact timing remains unclear. To date, the remaining members, including percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan, guitarist Mick Thomson and vocalist Corey Taylor, have not offered public comment. No official statement has been released that details the reasons for the removal, leaving the situation largely speculative. The lack of comment from the band has only deepened interest, as listeners wonder how the group will move forward without one of its longtime contributors.

0
designated number
2026
departure year
1998
joining year
1998
mainstream breakthrough year

Frequently asked questions

When did Sid Wilson leave Slipknot?

Sid Wilson left Slipknot in 2026, after joining the band in 1998. His departure was confirmed by the group via social media posts that were later deleted.

How was Sid Wilson's exit announced?

The band announced his exit on social media, but the posts were subsequently removed. The announcement marked his permanent removal from the lineup.

Who else is still in Slipknot after Sid Wilson's departure?

The current lineup still includes percussionist Shawn 'Clown' Crahan, guitarist Mick Thomson and singer Corey Taylor, none of whom have publicly commented on the departure.

Was there any official reason given for Sid Wilson's removal?

No official reason has been shared by the band. Reports only mention that the exit stunned the metal community and that some fans link it to Wilson's behavior.

Did Sid Wilson comment on his departure?

Sid Wilson introduced himself as still being “from Slipknot,” but no further official statement from him has been reported.

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