Imagine yourself at a concert in a small, somewhat grimy room with low ceilings, connected to a larger pool hall visible just outside a doorway off to the side.
There’s a pole smack in the middle of the space, slightly obstructing your view of the low-standing stage. On that stage, Motörhead might be performing, or maybe Pearl Jam, or Pantera. It’s a casual, intimate setup, yet legendary.
This was the Back Room, a revered 1,000-capacity venue in East Riverside (now expanded and occupied by Emo’s), which famously hosted an array of musical legends. If you were a regular there in 1999, you might have caught an early performance by a group of Iowa-bred metal upstarts called Slipknot. This was where the now-behemoth band played its first gig in Austin, about four months after the release of their much-lauded self-titled debut album.
To be transparent: I wasn’t present. At that time, I was only 12 years old, and my parents weren’t the type to let me attend a Slipknot concert (sorry, Mom and Dad). But having seen numerous shows there as a teenager before the venue closed in 2006, I can vividly imagine the scene. The idea of that moment sent shivers down my spine on Tuesday night at the Moody Center as I witnessed a stark contrast—15,000 fans eagerly waiting for Slipknot to take the stage in celebration of the 25th anniversary of their premier record.
What started as a small but intense burst of energy in the late ’90s has now become a massive, combustible force, with Slipknot’s fanbase growing to “Maggots,” as they lovingly refer to their most dedicated followers.
The inevitable explosion came soon enough, when the crowd erupted to the iconic opening line, “Here comes the pain!”—the mantra that launched this anniversary tour and introduced the first track of their debut album, “(sic).”
It was the perfect rallying cry for the thousands of Maggots in attendance, who maintained a frenetic energy throughout the 14-song set. The setlist included the full album, with a couple of bonus tracks, fueling an atmosphere of shared catharsis as fans vented their raw emotions.
“Have you missed us here in Texas? Not nearly as much as we’ve missed you,” frontman Corey Taylor declared after Slipknot tore through “Eyeless” and “Wait and Bleed,” the band’s breakout single. “Tonight, you will not hear a single song written after 1999. For all the Maggots who’ve been with us since day fucking one, this is our way of saying thank you. And to everyone here for the very first time, welcome back to the very beginning, you crazy motherfuckers.”
Taylor’s words connected the seasoned fans with those experiencing Slipknot live for the first time. Even after surviving an intense wall-of-death initiated by opening band Knocked Loose—a fierce hardcore act from Kentucky—it was clear that Slipknot fans’ momentum would not wane. The crowd’s energy reached a fever pitch when the band performed “Eeyore,” the hidden bonus track found at the end of the CD, after several minutes of silence. It was a nostalgic reminder of the surprises that used to come with physical albums.
The setlist diverged from the album’s original order, as the band next played “Get This,” a thrash metal track that had only been included on import editions of the album. This song, a prime example of Taylor’s powerful scream, underscored his ability to cram as many syllables as possible into a single stanza, like a possessed preacher delivering an unholy sermon. Slipknot’s music isn’t just about raw power—it’s also about the intricate, rapid-fire delivery that defines Taylor’s unique vocal style.
Equally captivating as Taylor’s performance were the other eight band members, four of whom—guitarists Jim Root and Mick Thomson, turntable master Sid Wilson, and percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan—are founding members. Taylor sported his ’99-era mask, while the entire band donned their original red jumpsuits, a visual homage to their early days that only heightened the excitement of the tribute.
Each musician was in peak form, the deep dive into the band’s earliest material igniting a youthful energy that felt both erratic and polished. There’s something undeniably invigorating about seeing a band witness thousands of fans, young and old, singing along to anthems like “Liberate,” “Prosthetics,” and “Spit It Out.” These songs were written by band members in their 20s, yet the emotional intensity resonated just as strongly with fans of all ages.
One of the reasons Slipknot has remained relevant for 25 years is their ability to write songs that tap into universal emotions—fear, anger, depression, and mortality. These are not themes confined to a particular generation. Sure, Slipknot’s music may seem intimidating or even terrifying to some. The band’s image, coupled with their aggressive sound, might not appeal to everyone. But if you pay attention, their music and lyrics don’t just reflect these dark feelings—they offer a way to confront and release them, particularly in a live setting.
Slipknot’s aesthetic, while fierce, also advocates authenticity and acceptance—embracing yourself and others, imperfections and all. Of course, this message is delivered with a lot of expletives and aggressive energy. But at the core, it’s a message of self-empowerment and liberation. Taylor drove this point home when he dedicated the fan favorite “Surfacing” to anyone who has ever been told how to think or feel about themselves. He punctuated the sentiment with a call to arms, encouraging the crowd to raise their middle fingers in defiance.
“Don’t ever judge me!” Taylor shouted, his voice dripping with anger and intensity. But beneath that rage was a sense of self-affirmation, a declaration of self-worth that resonated with the crowd. The final song of the night, “Scissors,” served as a chilling yet cathartic exploration of self-loathing and despair. As Taylor screamed the song’s closing refrain—“It is time! It is time!”—the words took on new meaning. In the context of the concert, it was a call not to give in to suffering, but to rise above it and reclaim your life.
This performance underscored Slipknot’s unique ability to channel feelings of alienation and frustration into a communal experience. Despite the aggressive nature of their music, there’s an underlying message of empowerment, self-acceptance, and emotional release. Their concerts are a place where fans can confront their pain, anger, and insecurities, and let them go in a cathartic, shared experience.
As the band continues to evolve and grow, their message remains consistent. Slipknot doesn’t just create music—they create an environment where fans can feel heard, understood, and liberated. It’s no surprise that after 25 years, their fanbase remains as passionate as ever. From the small, sweaty rooms of their early days to arenas packed with tens of thousands of fans, Slipknot has maintained their authenticity, their intensity, and their commitment to connecting with their audience.
For those who have followed Slipknot from the beginning, this anniversary tour is a celebration of not just the band’s music, but of the community they’ve built over the years. And for newcomers, it’s a chance to experience the raw energy and emotional power that has made Slipknot a cultural force. In both cases, the message is clear: Slipknot is more than just a band—they’re a way of life.
