Sid Wilson’s Gritty Return to Slipknot: Battling Through Pain and Fire to Deliver a Jaw-Dropping Performance
Sid Wilson’s triumphant return to Slipknot barely a week and a half after suffering severe burns is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The DJ and keyboardist for the iconic heavy metal band was bedridden after a bonfire explosion at his home in Iowa, which left him with burns across his body. Despite this setback, Wilson, known for his fierce determination, took the stage, delivering a performance that was both physically and mentally grueling, but ultimately electrifying.
A Harrowing Experience
The accident occurred when a burn pile at Wilson’s Iowa home unexpectedly exploded, engulfing his face and arms in flames. The burns were severe, leaving him bedridden and facing the serious threat of infection. Despite this, Wilson remained undeterred, vowing that the accident wouldn’t prevent him from continuing his tour with Slipknot. In an interview with TMZ, Wilson candidly described his ordeal:
“It was freakin’ scary, man. I was in a lot of pain, but I couldn’t let it stop me. This band means everything to me, and the fans, they deserve it. There was no way I was sitting this one out.”
Wilson’s commitment to performing, even while in excruciating pain, speaks volumes about his dedication to the band and their fans. With Slipknot’s Here Comes the Pain tour in full swing, the stakes were high, and Wilson was determined not to let his injuries derail the momentum.
A Painful Return to the Stage
Sid Wilson’s first show back with Slipknot, just days after the accident, was anything but easy. The physical toll of the burns, coupled with the mental strain of performing under such conditions, made the experience one of the most challenging of his career. In his interview with TMZ, Wilson revealed just how taxing the show was:
“Physically, it was super uncomfortable. I was still in a lot of pain. Mentally, it was even worse. Every second on stage, I was thinking about the burns, about not messing up because of the pain. It was a constant battle, but once I got into it, the adrenaline kicked in, and I just let the music take over.”
Wilson’s partner, Kelly Osbourne, played a significant role in helping him recover enough to return to the stage. Acting as his private nurse, Osbourne ensured that Wilson was well cared for, allowing him to focus on his recovery and the upcoming shows. Her support was instrumental in his ability to push through the pain and perform.
Battling the Pain
While Wilson’s return was a testament to his resilience, it wasn’t without its complications. One of the biggest challenges he faced was the new skin growing on his hands, which made it difficult for him to perform. As a DJ and keyboardist, Wilson relies heavily on his fingers, and the tightening of the skin made it hard for him to move his digits as needed. He explained:
“The new skin on my hands is really tight, and I kinda need those to work perfectly. So, I’ve been doing a lot of stretching, just trying to get my fingers to move the way they need to. It’s been tough, but I’m getting there.”
Despite the difficulties, Wilson has continued to power through, showcasing the same level of intensity and energy that fans have come to expect from a Slipknot show. His ability to push through the pain and deliver a high-octane performance is a true testament to his passion for the band and its music.
Slipknot’s Here Comes the Pain Tour
Slipknot’s Here Comes the Pain tour, produced by Live Nation, has been a massive undertaking, with shows scheduled across the United States and around the world. Featuring support from bands like Knocked Loose, Orbit Culture, and Vended on select dates, the tour promises to be one of the most intense and memorable in recent memory. Despite his injuries, Wilson has shown no signs of slowing down, and his determination to keep performing has only added to the anticipation surrounding the tour.
The tour kicked off in early September and has already made stops in Auburn, WA, and Ridgefield, WA. Fans can expect to see the band perform at iconic venues like the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA, and the Dos Equis Pavilion in Dallas, TX. The tour will also feature a homecoming of sorts for Wilson when the band plays Knotfest Iowa at Waterworks Park in Des Moines on September 21st. For fans across the globe, Slipknot will be performing internationally as well, with dates in Brazil, Mexico, Germany, and the UK.
Upcoming Tour Dates
For those who want to catch Slipknot and witness Sid Wilson’s electrifying return to the stage, here’s a list of upcoming tour dates:
2024 Dates:
- September 7: Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre
- September 8: Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Styles Resorts Amphitheater
- September 11: Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
- September 13-14: Inglewood, CA – Intuit Dome
- September 15: Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
- September 17: Austin, TX – Moody Center
- September 18: Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
- September 21: Des Moines, IA – Knotfest Iowa at Waterworks Park
- September 26: Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life Festival
International Dates:
- October 11: Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival
- October 19: São Paulo, Brazil – Knotfest Brasil
- November 8: Guadalajara, Mexico – Calle 2
- November 9: Mexico City, Mexico – Parque Bicentenario
- December 5: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
- December 6: Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhallen
- December 8: Stuttgart, Germany – Schleyerhalle
- December 9: Leipzig, Germany – Quarterback Immobilien Arena
- December 11: Zürich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
- December 12: Paris, France – Accor Arena
- December 14: Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
- December 15: Glasgow, UK – Ovo Hydro
- December 17: Manchester, UK – Co-op Live
- December 18: Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
- December 20-21: London, UK – The O2
2025 Dates:
- June 6-8: Nurburg, Germany – Rock Am Ring
- June 6-8: Nuremberg, Germany – Rock Im Park
- June 12-14: Nickelsdorf, Austria – NovaRock
The Road Ahead
For Sid Wilson, the journey back to full recovery is still ongoing, but his commitment to Slipknot and their fans is unwavering. Despite the physical and mental toll of performing with severe burns, Wilson has proven that nothing will stand in the way of his passion for music and his dedication to his bandmates.
As the Here Comes the Pain tour continues, fans can expect more jaw-dropping performances from Wilson and the rest of Slipknot, as they continue to push the boundaries of what heavy metal can be.
