Just moments ago, during the Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, former Slipknot drummer Joey Joridson was presented with the coveted Golden God Award. It was an emotional moment for Jordison, who held back tears during many moments in the speech.
Jordison was dismissed from Slipknot in late 2013. Jordison made it a point to tell everybody he never actually quit the band. Shortly after the news broke, there was speculation that substance abuse was the culprit, but turns out it was something much scarier. As Joey accepted his Golden God award, he made a point to acknowledge his time in Slipknot and had nothing but great things to say about the band:
I want you all to give praise to them as well. We accomplished a lot in life, every one of them, and I wish them nothing but luck and the best praises. What we created, in the basements of Des Moines, IA, will never be matched. It's one thing that's absolutely unbeatable.
It was at that point, holding back tears, that Joey revealed just exactly what happened to him at the end of his run with Slipknot:
Towards the end of my career in Slipknot, I got really really sick with a horrible disease called transverse myelitis, I lost my legs. I couldn't play anymore. It was a form of multiple sclerosis, which I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. I got myself back, and I got myself in the gym and I got myself back in therapy, to fucking beat this shit. And, if I could do it, you could it. It's the hardest thing I've ever done in my life, more than fucking anything. To people with multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, or anything like that, I am living proof that you can fucking beat that shit. And, fucking metal and all of these fans will do it for you. Thank you so fucking much. [holding back tears as the crowd cheers] To my lady, Amanda! You can beat this shit, no joke. Just the fact that metal lives in your heart, you can accomplish anything.
Wikipedia defines transverse myelitis as an inflamation of the spinal cord leading to decreased electrical conductivity in the central nervous system. Very scary stuff! It was incredibly brave of Jordison to come on stage in front of thousands of fans and more watching at home and reveal such a personal matter. Our most positive thoughts to Joey on this matter. I can see why both Joey and Slipknot didn't really want to go in to why they parted ways with Jordison, although for all we know, there could be more to it than just Joey's medical issues.
You can watch his entire speech below, which starts around the 16:30 mark.
