Slipknot's Corey Taylor Describes 'Complete and Complete Breakdown' Ahead of North American Tour Cancellation

Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor posted an Instagram video on Wednesday (January 24) in response to fans' concern for his well-being following the cancellation of the hard rocker's previously scheduled North American solo tour. The clip also addressed fans' reaction to his subsequent announcement of four shows in Asia in late March and early April including three dates in Japan (March 25, 26, 28) and an April 1 concert in the Philippines. Taylor is also booked for a European summer tour scheduled to run from June 3rd to July 2nd.

“I decided to make this video in response to a lot of comments that came out after I announced that I would be continuing my journey in Southeast Asia. Originally, this should have been addressed in the statement I released about my lack of mental health,” Taylor explained, telling fans he understood why they were so upset.

“I have, in the last year, had a complete and utter breakdown of boundaries, sanity, ego, rights, 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 face it and just tell people that I needed time to reset, I needed time to start working on my heart and mind and get clear. The reason I keep running Southeast Asia, it's literally four shows, it's literally a week. I'll see how I do with it and take it day by day, basically. Right now I'm working on self-care, getting the help 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'm looking forward to it. Thank you for that and I hope you will show me some patience,” he said.

On January 5, Taylor announced that he was pulling out of his North American tour citing struggles with mental and physical health. “Over the past few months my mental and physical health has been collapsing and I've reached a place that was unhealthy for my family and me,” he wrote in a statement. “I know this decision will come as a shock to some and may be seen as unpopular by others – but after taking a hard look at where I am and where I've been going, I need to retire and be home with my family for the time being. Those of you who purchased tickets and VIP packages for this upcoming tour will receive a full refund.”

The tour was scheduled to kick off on February 3 in Toronto and wrap up on March 3 in Omaha, after Taylor swings through Europe and North America in 2023 in support of his second solo album. CMF2.

Watch Taylor's statement below.