Slipknot percussionist M. Shawn Crahan (aka Clown) gave both a revealing and characteristically colorful interview to Spin.com regarding the bands upcoming plans. He confirmed that ex-Slipknot guitarist Donnie Steele will once again fill in for late bassist Paul Gray during the bands touring this summer. Steele will still be performing out of sight from the audience, on that Crahan said:
“What gives him the right to be onstage with us right now? When we’re going through an experience like this with our fans, they need to concentrate on the eight members that are grieving, not on someone new. This isn’t a diss on Donnie. I love Donnie, but we chose to tour for just one reason — to share the tragedy, pain and grief of what happened to Paul with our fans instead of going through it alone.”
Discussing the groups forthcoming greatest hits styled release “Antennas To Hell” (due out July 24th on Roadrunner) he offered:
“The songs were put in a certain order by us, so you get a very unique listening experience; it’s like its own piece of art. Not even a machine could do that. Also, I spent two months on the CD booklet. You don’t just get a little piece of paper that goes inside the album cover. You get a huge booklet of some sculpture, photographs and theory that kids can ponder, conceptualize and really enjoy.”
When the topic shifted to the bands new album Crahan revealed that Joey Jordison has written parts for 30 new songs, while Corey Taylor has written some lyrics and guitarists Jim Root and Mick Thomson have both been writing riffs. The group tentatively plan to take around a year off after their upcoming August “Knotfest” appearances before entering the studio for the outing though. On that Crahan stated:
“That’s how everyone is coping with the loss of Paul, by writing. Will all of that stuff be used? No. Will some of it be used? Of course. But until we get to that area I can’t tell anybody anything. It’s like asking me who the next bass player is. I’m not gonna give you an answer ’cause I don’t have to think about it right now.
I need about a year to grieve get my shit together so I can control my emotions in the studio, which is something I can’t do right now. I want to be able to go in there and realize my brother’s not there. And then when I’m asked to do a part, I can control myself and give Paul, the band and the fans everything that Slipknot needs to be.”
