Slipknot performing during the Here Comes the Pain Tour at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on September 17, 2024, with Shawn Crahan, Mick Thomson, Corey Taylor, Sid Wilson, Jim Root, Alessandro Venturella, Michael Pfaff, and Eloy Casagrande. (Photo: Ralph Arvesen)
There was a time when Slipknot and their loyal fanbase, affectionately called "maggots," hadn’t yet taken the world by storm. Twenty-five years ago, the band from Des Moines was just trying to get their new LP noticed—an album that would kickstart their transformation into one of the most influential bands of the 21st century. That record would go on to redefine rock, shaping youth culture beyond music itself. These masked misfits from the heart of America didn’t just capture the attention of young people; they helped shape their tastes and lead them into a new era.
Released on June 29, 1999, Slipknot's self-titled debut made an immediate impact, receiving critical acclaim and becoming an instant favorite with fans. It was, and remains, a revolutionary record—rejecting metal traditions and embracing innovation. While the aggressive riffs and Ross Robinson’s intense production were pivotal to its success, it was the meticulous songwriting that elevated the album from “great” to “legendary.” Not bad for a group that just wanted to be heard.
“We loved what we did with the first record, but we didn’t even know if there’d be anything after that,” recalls guitarist Jim Root. “We just wanted people to hear it. Selling out records and shows, having successful tours—those are any band’s goals. But in many ways, our dream scenario came true.”
In the years since, Slipknot’s rise has been relentless, often rivaling the very bands they once idolized. With tens of billions of streams, millions of subscribers and followers, and an array of accolades, including 64 award nominations and 27 wins (like a Grammy for “Before I Forget” from Vol. 3), their journey is marked by milestones. They’ve headlined major festivals like Download, Rock In Rio, Hellfest, and Wacken, and have amassed 14 platinum certifications and 40 gold ones, with over 30 million records and video sales worldwide.
In 2012, Slipknot expanded their legacy by creating Knotfest, a traveling, multi-stage festival that has become a cultural phenomenon. With 28 appearances across various countries, Knotfest has since evolved into Knotfest.com, an influential media hub for creative, free-spirited minds and artists.
Through it all, Slipknot has solidified their status as generational icons—loved by both parents and their children. Their remarkable live shows, deep connection with fans, and unparalleled influence stretch all the way back to that groundbreaking debut.
As Slipknot approaches their 25th anniversary, they’re making a conscious effort to reconnect with fans in the same intimate way they were first discovered. “Every time I’ve walked on stage, it’s never been about how many people are there, because my culture, the maggots, always show up,” says founding member Shawn “Clown” Crahan with a smile.
Fan reviews:Setlist for the show at the Moody Center
Best concert experience ever! Completely blew me away! Everything about this experience blew my expectations way out of the water! The venue was excellent, shuttle service was fast and efficient, merch was super easy to get, bathrooms were very well attended, seating was perfect, opening bands and headliner all put on killer performances! 11/10 would definitely recommend, and hope to experience again someday!
Great performers. Slipknot is truly a group of artists. They put on a show and it was so much fun and the energy was so creepy and spooky and overall cool. They were great performers and put so much energy into the crowd. Knocked Loose was also great and the crowd was so energized.
Excellent experience! Brought two of my kids and my wife to the show. We all had a really fun experience, and we will definitely see Slipknot again. Vended was also very good. Looking forward to their album release in a couple weeks.
This was an amazing concert! I can't wait for them to come back to our area!
Amazing show! I have been a longtime fan of Slipknot. Seeing them live was incredible, the25th anniversary tour was the cherry on top. My kid has wanted to see Slipknot live forever. It was an awesome experience.
Absolutely amazing! This was my first ever concert and it was definitely the right choice. It was extremely fun and the community was amazing. If you’re sensitive to loud noises I suggest sitting farther back or wearing ear plugs. 10/10!
Fantastically brutal show. Great venue and amazing show. It was great to see Slipknot play their first album in the flesh! Vended and Knocked Loose also knocked it out of the park. All and all an amazing experience. Even in the lawn the crowd was energetic and the bands were amazing!
- Dream Weaver
- 742617000027
- (sic)
- Eyeless
- Wait and Bleed
- Get This
- Eeyore
- Tattered & Torn
- Me Inside
- Liberate
- Frail Limb Nursery
- Purity
- Prosthetics
- No Life
- Only One
- Mudslide
- Spit It Out
- Surfacing
- Scissors
Slipknot was the main act at the Moody Center with guests Knocked Loose and Vended. They continue across the United States, Europe, and South America with the last stop at the Novarock Festival in Nickelsdorf, Austria on June 12, 2025.
Slipknot
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Photos by Ralph Arvesen
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