Rare, Old-School Slipknot Videos Surface Online, Sending Fans Into a Frenzy
Over the past few days, a treasure trove of rare Slipknot videos from the late ’90s and early 2000s has been shared online, and fans of the iconic metal band are losing their minds. These videos capture the raw energy, chaos, and intensity of Slipknot during their early days—moments that were once thought to be lost to time or hidden away in private collections. The release of this footage has sparked a wave of excitement across the Slipknot fanbase, giving a new generation of fans a glimpse into the band’s legendary live performances.
The Slipknot Trading Scene: A Secretive World of Bootlegs
For years, a subculture within the Slipknot fan community has existed in the form of what’s known as the “Slipknot Trading Scene.” This group of die-hard fans has been trading bootleg recordings of live shows, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes moments. Unlike typical fan uploads, many of these recordings have never been made publicly available. Instead, they’ve been passed around within a tight-knit group of collectors, often for years, with some individuals paying top dollar or offering rare footage in exchange for other unreleased material.
These traders have historically kept their collections secret, creating a sort of underground economy of Slipknot content that the general public never had access to. Fans on the Slipknot Reddit page have been discussing the release of these videos, noting that some of the footage has been part of this hidden trading scene for decades.
While this scene has allowed some to enjoy rare moments from Slipknot’s early career, it’s also created a sense of frustration for many fans who have longed to see these recordings. That’s why the recent decision by a few individuals to finally share these videos online has been met with such enthusiasm.
The Infamous Brawl with Mushroomhead Fans in Cleveland, 1999
One of the most talked-about videos that has emerged is from a Slipknot concert in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1999. This show became infamous not only for its intensity but also because it devolved into a full-blown fight between the band members and fans in the crowd. At the time, tensions between Slipknot and fans of another band, Mushroomhead, were at an all-time high. Mushroomhead, who hailed from Cleveland, had a loyal local following, and some of their fans took to throwing objects at Slipknot during the performance.
At the 9:19 mark of the video, Corey Taylor, Slipknot’s fiery frontman, can be heard yelling at the crowd, “Step up, pussy. Step up, bitch!” Tensions reached a boiling point as some of the band members jumped off the stage and engaged in a physical altercation with the fans who were throwing things at them.
The video offers a raw and unfiltered look at the volatile energy that defined Slipknot’s live shows during this period. Their performances weren’t just concerts—they were chaotic, almost primal, experiences where anything could happen. This particular video has given fans a rare opportunity to witness a legendary moment in the band’s history, and it’s no surprise that it’s generating such intense reactions.
Fan Reactions: A Long-Awaited Release
The reaction to the release of these videos has been overwhelmingly positive, with many fans expressing relief that these rare moments are finally being made available to the public. One fan on Reddit wrote, “Honestly, I’m glad. It always seemed weird to have a small group of people holding onto old quality footage when the entire fanbase would love to see it.”
This sentiment echoes the feelings of many who have long been frustrated by the exclusivity of the Slipknot Trading Scene. Fans have been aware for years that high-quality recordings of early Slipknot performances exist, but until now, most have only heard about them through rumors or seen low-quality snippets.
Another fan explained how these rare tapes have contributed to some of the myths surrounding Slipknot’s early days. “People have been holding on pro shot footage from ‘95 – ‘02 for decades and trading/selling tapes. A lot of early day myths come from these said tapes, for example, the ‘Clown wore a killer klown from outer space mask’ was a huge mystery for the masses, and like a dozen people had seen the footage until it got leaked a couple of years ago,” they shared.
For many fans, this release feels like a long-overdue correction. The release of these videos has effectively broken down the barrier between the exclusive trading scene and the broader Slipknot fan community, allowing everyone to enjoy these rare pieces of history.
Other Rare Videos: Slipknot’s First Show with Nine Members
Several YouTube channels have been at the forefront of sharing these rare Slipknot videos, including FelipesVault, Walpknot, and KnotConcerts100. These channels have uploaded footage from some of the most iconic early performances of Slipknot’s career, giving fans a chance to relive moments that helped shape the band’s legacy.
One notable video is Slipknot’s 1999 performance at First Avenue in Minneapolis. This show is particularly special because it was the band’s first-ever performance with both Chris Fehn and Jim Root, marking the debut of the nine-member lineup that would go on to become famous worldwide. The energy and intensity of the performance are palpable, with the band delivering a blistering set that perfectly captures the raw aggression of Slipknot’s early years.
Another video that has been shared is a 2000 performance in La Crosse, Wisconsin. These recordings provide a unique window into the early days of Slipknot, a time when the band was still defining their sound and stage presence but already had the fire and passion that would make them one of the biggest metal bands in the world.
The Impact of These Rare Videos on Slipknot’s Legacy
The release of these rare videos has not only excited long-time fans but also provided newer fans with a deeper understanding of Slipknot’s roots. For those who weren’t able to witness the band’s early performances in person, these videos are a powerful reminder of just how chaotic, intense, and unpredictable Slipknot was in their formative years.
While Slipknot has evolved significantly since those early days, becoming a more polished and technically precise band, these videos showcase the raw energy that initially set them apart from other metal acts. For many, this is a return to the Slipknot they fell in love with—unfiltered, aggressive, and ready to unleash chaos at any moment.
A Gift to Slipknot Fans
The sudden release of these rare, old-school Slipknot videos has been nothing short of a gift to the band’s dedicated fanbase. After years of being hidden away in private collections, these videos are finally available for everyone to enjoy, offering a unique glimpse into the early days of one of metal’s most iconic bands. Whether you’re a long-time Maggot or a new fan, these videos serve as a reminder of the chaotic brilliance that Slipknot brought to the stage in the late ‘90s and early 2000s.
You can check out the channels mentioned above to see the full collection of rare footage and relive the unforgettable moments that have now been made available for all.
