Craig Jones, also known as 133, is an American musician known for his role as a former sampler and keyboardist for the famous heavy metal band Slipknot.
We’ve always gotten the impression that the members of Slipknot do not want to be in Slipknot. It is a paycheck that is bigger than anything else they have going on, so they do it. I know there was a period when they were all sick of each other, and maybe that is just what is making us think that.
In a now-deleted social media post, Slipknot simply said, “Dear fans, Slipknot would like to announce that we have parted ways with Craig Jones.” We wish Jones all the best in his future endeavors.
News of his departure comes after percussionist Sean “Clown” Crahan announced he would not be participating in the band’s European tour, which began on Wednesday, to care for his wife.
“I would like to let you all know that I am returning home to support my wife, who is facing health issues, and that I intend to return as soon as possible,” he wrote in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “We’ve been through situations like this before, and as always, we appreciate the love and support. See you soon.”
Although her health issues remain unclear, he previously spoke about her battle with Crohn’s disease: “If you want to live a successful life, the most important thing on this planet is your health,” she said in a 2005 interview with the Des Moines Register (via Blabbermouth). At the time, he said, “This is definitely the most difficult time of my life.”
Slipknot Part Ways With Craig Jones
In June of 2023, Slipknot posted a statement on their social media stating that they had parted ways with longtime keyboardist Craig Jones and then deleted it shortly after.
“To our fans, Slipknot is announcing that we have parted ways with Craig Jones. We wish Jones all the best for the future,” the post read, which still remains on Knotfest’s profile.
Reddit user @puruiin, who shared the thread, criticized those bombarding Riley with questions about the actual reason Jones left the band. This user believed he quit because the keyboard player wanted to and provided a possible reason behind the decision.
According to the caption, Jones may have left due to “personal issues” and denies rumors that he was forced out, like Joey Jordison and Chris Fehn. Some Reddit users suggested he might have health issues, but that should be taken with a grain of salt.
“Craig is an enigmatic figure who doesn’t really owe us any further explanation. He’s never spoken in Slipknot before, so why should he now?” The post continued. “I think it’s best to move forward with new members and stop being overly dramatic and saying Slipknot is doomed.”
Slipknot’s new members are still unknown, but they attended the band’s recent shows shortly after Jones left. The group also released a mysterious photo of the new member wearing a uniquely designed mask that matches the other members’ covers.”
New Mystery Member Joins Slipknot
Shortly after the split with Jones, Slipknot appeared on stage with a new mystery member. They’re following suit with previous lineup changes and keeping the musician’s identity a secret in the meantime, though fans have come up with a few theories as to who they think is behind the mask.
“Obviously, any time you have a change like that, it makes you kind of have to lean into adversity a little bit. We took a little more time to figure things out and, obviously, find a new guy. [He’s] good, really good—a total musician,” Corey Taylor said of the new member. “But it took him a second to kind of find his way. But now he’s killing it. He’s really, really good.”
Fans of the ‘Knot have also given the mysterious musician a nickname: “Greg Bones.” No further details have since come out about the split.
Jones remained with the band for several years, becoming one of Slipknot’s longest-serving members after drummer Joey Jordison left in 2013.
No reason has been given for Jones leaving the band. It’s also currently unknown whether he’ll be replaced on stage during Slipknot’s European tour.
