American metal band Slipknot expels member after 28 years

After 28 years, Slipknot has parted ways with DJ and keyboardist Sid Wilson (49). The musician found out on Friday afternoon that he had been permanently removed from the American metal band. This was reported by the celebrity news site TMZ, citing a source close to the band. Neither Slipknot nor Wilson has officially confirmed the news; the reasons for his dismissal also remain a mystery to the general public.

Sid Wilson joined Slipknot in 1998 as the ninth member, shortly before the release of the band’s self-titled debut album, which helped the band break through a year later. Under the stage name "#0," he was responsible for turntables, keyboards, samples, and sound effects. His departure marks yet another lineup change for the band. Of the original nine-member lineup, only singer Corey Taylor, percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan, and guitarists Mick Thomson and Jim Root remain. Bassist Paul Gray died in 2010 from an overdose, while drummer Joey Jordison died in 2021. Previously, members such as Craig Jones and Chris Fehn had also left the band.

This departure comes a few months after Wilson and Kelly Osbourne (41) called off their engagement. The two met in 1999 at Ozzfest, but it wasn’t until 2022 that they began a relationship. They have a three-year-old son together, Sidney. Wilson proposed to Osbourne in July 2025, backstage at his father Ozzy Osbourne’s farewell concert.

In March 2026, sources reported that the couple had split, partly due to the intense period of mourning that followed Ozzy’s death. Wilson also had to cope with personal hardships. In August 2024, he suffered severe burns to his face and arms following an explosion at his farm. Shortly afterward, he was already back on stage with Slipknot. Alongside his work with the band, he has released solo tracks under the name DJ Starscream. It's not yet known who might eventually replace Wilson. Guitarist Jim Root reacted cryptically on social media, suggesting that fans “shouldn’t believe everything they read.” For now, both sides remain silent.