Slipknot’s Clown Faces Heart Surgery, Shares "I Feel Like I’m Dying" Moments

Slipknot’s Clown opens up about his heart surgery journey and the intense moments that made him face his mortality.

Clown’s Heart Health Scare: A Shocking Revelation

As a longtime fan of Slipknot, hearing Shawn “Clown” Crahan talk about his heart condition hits close to home. The band’s enigmatic percussionist and sole remaining founding member recently revealed that he needs heart surgery. Sometimes, he says, he literally feels like he’s dying—an intense reality check from a man who’s faced the chaos of the stage for decades.

In a candid chat on Rick Rubin’s Tetragrammaton podcast, Clown delved into the unsettling discovery of his heart issues. At 56, the Iowa metal icon found out after the band’s last tour that his heart was “skipping,” leading to a diagnosis that requires surgical intervention soon.

The Moment Clown Realized Something Was Wrong

It wasn’t a dramatic collapse on stage or a sudden blackout that made Clown seek help, but a persistent feeling of discomfort. He shared how he went in for an EKG, but the test initially failed, prompting the medical staff to worry he might be having a heart attack. Imagine that — lying there, half-asleep, with nurses scrambling because the machine won’t cooperate.

"I kind of fell asleep and I woke up. I’m like, ‘Are you going to get this thing?’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, it’s not working.’ They thought I was having a heart attack right there." — Shawn “Clown” Crahan

Despite the fear and confusion, it turned out to be his heart skipping beats—a condition he describes with a fascinating metaphor: he’s “taught [himself] to be like a cross-country runner.” That’s a testament to his resilience and sheer willpower, something any Slipknot fan can relate to given his intense performances.

From Onstage Energy to Quiet Vulnerability

What struck me most about Clown’s story is how he reconciles his physical condition with his relentless spirit. He admitted to being overweight but credits his strong mind for keeping his heart rate impressively low at 43 beats per minute during the day. That’s like an athlete’s heart calm in the eye of a storm.

However, when the skipping starts, it hits hard. He describes it as flipping from “on” to feeling like he is “just straight up dying.” The upcoming surgery, thankfully, is a simple procedure focusing on the heart’s electrical system, not the invasive “ripping open” type many fear.

He even joked about the possibility of needing a pacemaker, quipping it might give him an excuse to slow down touring life with Slipknot, but the reality is that it will improve his quality of life. “There is nothing, not even my heart. It’s going to be better because of Slipknot,” he laughed—a perfect blend of humor and heartfelt honesty.

Clown’s Journey and Slipknot’s New Horizons

Watching Slipknot evolve over the years, it’s clear Clown’s passion fuels the band’s heart. Just last month, the band surprised fans by releasing Look Outside Your Window, a long-shelved album full of experimental and psychedelic outtakes originally recorded around 2008. This release was a breath of fresh air, offering an intimate glimpse into the band's creative depths beyond their typical brutal sound.

In a heartfelt interview, Clown expressed pride and relief about finally sharing this “honest” music. "It was a very honest action to make music that wasn’t Slipknot, but utilised the skills of guys with no rules. I don’t know if it’s ‘good,’ but I know that I love it."

The Album That Took a Lifetime to See the Light

The album, which fans had speculated about for years, was met with glowing reviews. Critics praised its haunting atmosphere and the raw, emotional voice of Taylor that carried the band’s darker energy. It’s a rare gem that holds the mysterious essence of Slipknot while standing apart as a cult classic.

Look Outside Your Window reminded me why the band has such enduring appeal—their willingness to break boundaries and reveal vulnerabilities makes them human, not just metal monsters behind masks.

A Glimpse Into Slipknot’s Trials and Triumphs

While Clown battles his health, Slipknot’s story continues to unfold. Former drummer Jay Weinberg recently opened up about his confusing departure from the band, admitting the shock left him feeling like his “world bottomed out.” These behind-the-scenes struggles reveal the raw reality behind the spectacle, showing the human cost of life in one of metal’s most intense bands.

Closing Thoughts: Holding On and Moving Forward

Clown’s bravery in sharing his heart condition reminds us that even the loudest voices can face quiet battles. It’s a powerful reminder that health is precious and sometimes, the strongest warriors are the ones fighting silent fights.

How do you think this revelation will shape Slipknot’s future? Will Clown’s journey inspire new depths in their music? Let’s talk about it below.

FAQ

• How did Clown find out he needed heart surgery?
  He discovered it after feeling unwell post-tour and undergoing an EKG, which initially malfunctioned, causing medical staff to suspect a heart attack.
• What kind of heart surgery does Clown need?
  It’s a minimally invasive procedure targeting his heart’s electrical system to correct the skipping beats.
• Will Clown need a pacemaker?
  Doctors considered it, but said a pacemaker would improve his life rather than limit it.
• How has Clown’s heart condition affected his performances?
  When the skipping occurs, he feels extremely unwell, but his strong mind keeps his heart rate low most of the time.
• What is ‘Look Outside Your Window’?
  It’s an experimental Slipknot album recorded around 2008, recently released, showcasing a psychedelic and honest side of the band.

Slipknot fans looking for unique memorabilia can celebrate Clown’s journey and the band’s legacy by shopping for their favorite album cover posters at our store. It’s a warm way to keep the spirit of the music alive offstage. Check out the collection here.