Slipknot bassist dies

Paul Gray, bassist for Slipknot, has been found dead in a hotel in Urbandale, Iowa at approximately 10:50am today, May 24 by a hotel employee.

No details or cause of death are yet know, but police say there is no evidence of foul play in the room at the TownePlace Suites. An autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow and toxicology tests will be carried out.

Gray, from Johnston, was 38 and had recently been unveiled as the new bass player in all-star covers band Hail!.

Satyricon
“Today we mourn the passing of our friend Paul. The down to earth, friendly, unpretentious metal head that we loved. Our hearts go out to Slipknot, his family and his friends. May Paul have found his peace.”

Brian Fair, Shadows Fall vocalist
“I’m so crushed to hear about the passing of Paul Gray. I had the pleasure of first getting to know him on a press trip to New York City before our tour with Slipknot and Lamb of God in 2005 and then sharing stages and good times with him and the boys around the world. He was a great musician, an underrated songwriter and a truly warm soul underneath the evil mask he rocked onstage. This is a huge loss to the metal world. He will be missed deeply.”

Jamey Jasta, Hatebreed vocalist
“Paul was a stand-up guy and a great musician. He and Slipknot changed the face of rock music as we know it. Just about every metal band member from 1999 onward owes him a salute. My condolences to his band, family and fans. We’ll miss you dearly, Paul. We are eternally grateful to you.”

Chris Beattie, Hatebreed bassist
“It came as a surprise today to hear that Paul Gray passed this morning. He was a great guy and an amazing bass player. I consider it an honor to have gotten to know him. His contribution to the music world was enormous and will live on forever. R.I.P.”

Stone Sour
“We are profoundly saddened by the loss of Paul Gray. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and his brothers in Slipknot. Paul was a true talent and just a great person to be around. We join the millions around the world expressing our intense grief over this loss. We’ll miss you, Paul.”

David Ellefson, Megadeth bassist
“I was very shocked and saddened to hear of Paul Gray’s passing today. I considered him an incredible songwriter, inventive bassist but more importantly a kind and warm friend. As a fellow musician, I was excited that he would be playing in Hail! this coming month as I knew it would be a fun experience for him. I’m sad that the European audiences will not get to see him play those shows.

“I extend my condolences to his family, to Slipknot and their management, as well as his many friends and fans who loved him around the world. He was another one of the good ones in our business… a wonderful man who will be missed by us all.”

Bill Ward, Black Sabbath drummer
“My wife and I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Paul Gray’s family and friends. Our condolences also extend to each member of Slipknot. We wish everyone who knew Paul love, tolerance and eventual peace of mind. Paul played in an incredible band. He was an incredible bass player. His death is another big loss for metal music, but his spirit and his love will forever ascend and teach. Thanks for the music, Paul.”

In Flames
“When we found out about Paul’s death we were shocked. We had the privilege of getting to know him as early as 2000 and he was always a stand up guy. He will be missed dearly! Our thoughts go out to Paul’s family, friends and fellow band members. Rest in Peace Paul.”

Wednesday 13
“I write this with great sadness, that such a great human being has left us. Paul Gray, was not a close friend of mine, but we were friends. In fact he is one of the first people I met in this crazy fucked up business, but I will say that he treated me like he knew me his whole life. One of the most genuine people you could ever ask to meet.

“I remember once back years ago, I hadn’t seen him in a year or more, no phone calls, text and outta the blue he texted me…. ‘Hey you wanna come hang out and go to the Grammy’s with me, we got nominated and I wanted to hang with ya.’ That’s the kinda guy I will remember Paul Gray as, just an all around, good person.

“To my brother Joey, and all my friends within the Slipknot Family, my thoughts are with you all.”

Josh Todd, Buckcherry vocalist
“Everyone knows I’m a huge Slipknot fan, and although I didn’t know Paul Gray personally, I am very sad about this news. Every great band starts with a great rhythm section. Paul and Joey are like a rapid fire machine gun to the chest, and I felt Paul’s passion and intensity every time he stepped on stage. Slipknot is not just a band, they’re a gang – and that’s why I believed, just like millions of others, that Paul was a huge part of that, and he will be very missed.”

Written by Jukebox:Metal Admin
More: Band News, Slipknot