Slipknot singer Corey Taylor posted an Instagram video on Wednesday (Jan. 24) in response to fan concern over his well-being following the cancellation of the hard rocker’s previously scheduled North American solo tour. The clip also addressed fan reaction to his subsequent announcement of a four-show run in Asia in late March and early April that includes three dates in Japan (March 25, 26, 28) and an April 1 gig in the Philippines; Taylor is also booked for a European summer tour scheduled to run from June 3 to July 2.
“I decided to make this video in response to a lot of the feedback that came out after I announced that I would be carrying on with my Southeast Asia run. Originally, that was supposed to be mentioned in the statement that I released relating to my mental health lapse,” Taylor explained, telling fans he understood why they were so upset.
“I, over the last year, have had a complete and utter breakdown of boundaries, mental health, ego, entitlement, the whole nine yards, culminating in a very, very real, very near relapse that… I kind of don’t recognize myself,” he said. “So, again, I wanted to address this and just tell people that I needed time to reset, I needed time to start working on my heart and my mind and get straight. The reason I’m keeping the Southeast Asia run, it’s literally four shows, it’s literally a week. I’m gonna see how I do with that and just take it day by day, basically. I’m working on self-care right now, getting the help that I need and surrounding myself with my family.”
Taylor thanked fans again for their concern and said he’s doing what’s best for him now. “It’s a long road and I don’t know what’s at the end of it, but I look forward to it. I have gratitude for it, and I hope you can show me some patience,” he said.
On Jan. 5, Taylor announced that he was pulling out of his North American tour citing struggles with mental and physical health. “For the past several months my mental and physical health have been breaking down, and I reached a place that was unhealthy for my family and I,” he wrote in a statement. “I know this decision will come as a shock to some and may be regarded as unpopular by others – but after taking a hard look at where I am and where I was going, I need to pull myself back and be home with my family for the time being. Those of you who bought tickets and VIP packages for this upcoming run will get a full refund.”
The tour had been scheduled to kick off on Feb. 3 in Toronto and wrap up on March 3 in Omaha, following Taylor’s European and North American swings in 2023 in support of his second solo album, CMF2.
See Taylor’s statement below.