PressTalk Today: Slipknot Drummer Clown11/20/2002 - Updated 11:16 AM ET It's the moment all loyal Slipknot fans have been waiting for. On November 26, the band will release their concert DVD Disasterpieces, a double-disc, 30 camera recording of Slipknot live at the London Arena. Find out what else is new in the world of the 'Knot from Slipknot drummer Clown, who'll be chatting live with friends and foes alike. Comment from USATODAY.com Host: Hey all: We realize you're excited about chatting with Clown, but you're killing us with the f-bombs. If you post a question with curse words, we can't use it. Sorry. South Bend, Indiana: Are there any plans for a U.S. tour again anytime soon? Clown: Unfortunately there will probably not be any touring until the third album is written and recorded. Orlando, Florida: You have made statements that Disasterpieces is going to be the end of an era for Slipknot. Could you clue us in to what we are to expect? Clown: We have reached a time to take that creative evolutional step into the future. Therefore, the cycle of Iowa is technically over, and we captured it (luckily) on this DVD. The future will not be a regurgitation of the first or second cycle of Iowa -- it'll be the new way. Chicago, Illinois: Do you feel that by adamantly refusing to go maskless you have shifted focus from music to appearance and pretense? I recall the band being repeatedly quoted saying it's not about the masks, and the masks reflect the music. Clown: We started Slipknot with masks, and have stayed responsible to that theory to this day. If you're a Slipknot maggot you know it's about the music. Finland - Kuusamo: Shawn I would like to ask about the current situation in Slipknot. Do you have some problems caused by the side-projects of Jim, Corey and Joey? Clown: There are no problems. If Slipknot is known for any one thing, it's "to thine self be true". We are taking some most definite time off to prepare for the next wave of thinking. People such as Joey, Jim and Corey have had these certain vibrations within them for a long time. Slipknot is every day business, and it has taken up everyone's lives for up to 7 years now. If there's any time to do anything, now is the time. Aurora, Indiana: You lost some fans after the release of "Iowa" because it was "too hard" for some. Jim Root was quoted in Guitar World that this is alright, and considers it "weeding out" the un-true fans. With the new record, whenever you guys will be doing it, will you be looking for a softer, harder, or about the same sound? Clown: We don't know yet. Carol Stream, Illinois: Upon hearing Corey say at every Slipknot show that they're filming the crowd for the new home video, where will this footage be? I'm mostly talking about when Corey is telling everyone to get down during Spit It Out. Clown: Now that we've gotten our first DVD out of the way, we'll shift gears to start focusing on the hundreds of tapes collected over 7 years. Hopefully in 2003 there'll be some more home video type DVD stuff, which will have some of the things you spoke of. Hayling Island, England: Will your next cycle be more brutal than the Iowa cycle? Clown: In my opinion, I personally believe we're going to step into a surreal world, which means as much brutality as possible for someone like me. Bidwell, Ohio: On the DVD camera angle feature do all you guys have cameras attached to you? Clown: Not all of us have cameras, not. Corey was unable to wear one because of the restraints of singing, and Joey also, but we had three cameras on him. Mick didn't wear one, but had one on his guitar. Paul may have had difficulty. They were extremely difficult to work with because of the high intensity of our performance. Littleton, New Hampshire: ***Revised Question*** "Since your quick rise to fame with your first album, did you find it hard to find your 'creative/agressive' side when writing/recording Iowa while living the life of a sucessful musician outside the studio? If so, how do you keep your music so agressive without the pressure of selling records?" Clown: You have to stay true to what's inside. It does become difficult on any album, because it seems like the world's eyes are on you at all times, judging. The world installs the function of timetables, which furthers the pushing of the art. The best thing to do is to stay true to yourself and allow time. We call our own shots and make our own schedules. Melbourne, Florida: Hey Clown, I remember seeing you in Racer-X magazine or something like that. Where do you ride Moto-X? Clown: I do a lot of riding here in Iowa, mainly by rivers, and we take our bikes on tour. We have friends who take us to motocross tracks and trails, but we have to be careful and stay free of injury. Pierz, Minnesota: What material is going to be on your DVD? Clown: The main focus is the live show. This is the first time we've had so many cameras to explore the show, so the focus is on the show. Everything from here on out will be with the intention of more special stuff. Comment from Clown: It comes out tomorrow. Wadesville, Indiana: Just one question - Why a clown? Clown: Clowns have the best job of all. They can be accepted however they want to be at any moment for whatever reason. And we show the world color. Lokeren, Belgium: There is a rumour that you will be changing masks again is this true? Clown: Some will, some won't. I will, but I'll remain a clown. Iowa City/Minneapolis: How can "Sic" not be on the new DVD? Clown: It is. Hyattsville, Maryland: Shawn I just wanted to know if you feel you should begin a side project? Clown: I can't sit around anymore. Jakarta, Indonesia: 9 words to describe Disasterpieces.. What would they be? Clown: Zero, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight Perth, Western Australia: Are you annoyed that some people have been making money off your work by releasing poor quality merchandise? I'm referring to the Behind the Mask DVD. Clown: There's nothing you can do about it. The day they stop selling it is the day they decide not to have you around. If there's money to be made, it means you've still got it. On an artistic level, it's wrong to pervert an artist's vision. However, most everyone knows what's going on with that situation. We're all aware of it. Ware, Massachusetts: Will www.slipknot1.com be updated anytime soon? And if so, what will change on it? Clown: Very, very, very soon. Hot hot hot! Comment from Clown: I wanted to take the time for all nine of us to say thank you to all the true maggots in the world today, supporting music and art and communication. Be safe. See you soon. And thank you. |