Slipknot’s Breakout on the 1999 Ozzfest: How Jealous Bands Tried to Tear Them Down
Slipknot’s breakout moment at the 1999 Ozzfest has become a legendary chapter in metal history. Known for their chaotic performances and terrifying masks, the Iowa-based nine-piece made their mark on the second stage of the festival, a month before the release of their self-titled debut album. The band’s relentless energy, intensity, and stage presence were unmatched, and they quickly captured the attention of fans and critics alike. However, not everyone in the metal community welcomed them with open arms.
Jealousy and animosity toward Slipknot became a recurring theme during their early days on the Ozzfest tour. Many of the more established bands on the lineup didn’t appreciate Slipknot’s sudden rise and began to talk behind their backs—and even to their faces. In a recent interview with Metal Hammer, Slipknot guitarist Jim Root and percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan shared their experiences of being confronted by jealous peers, who underestimated their potential and success.
Hostility from Rival Bands
During the 1999 Ozzfest, Slipknot was still a relatively unknown band, performing on the second stage alongside other up-and-coming acts. But their on-stage performances were anything but ordinary. The band’s live shows were an intense spectacle, featuring headbanging, percussion, and raw emotion that set them apart from their peers. It was a preview of the chaos and energy that would come with their soon-to-be-released album, Slipknot.
Yet, despite their growing popularity, Slipknot wasn’t greeted with open arms by everyone. Jim Root recalled how other bands, feeling threatened by the attention Slipknot was receiving, would directly tell them they wouldn’t last. Root told Metal Hammer, “They’d tell us directly to our faces, ‘You’re not going to last,’ or ‘You’ll be lucky if you sell 6,000 records.’ It was kind of a mental headfuck, and it shows you how competitive it could be at that time.”
These words of discouragement didn’t just come from whispers behind their backs; rival bands would blatantly express their disdain for Slipknot. The metal community can be notoriously competitive, and Slipknot’s meteoric rise, even before their album had been released, stirred up jealousy and anger. The comments from other bands were meant to shake Slipknot’s confidence, but in reality, it only fueled their determination to succeed.
Street Team Tactics Spark Controversy
Adding to the tension, Slipknot employed an aggressive street team tactic during the Ozzfest tour. In an attempt to build buzz before the release of their debut album, the band distributed free two-song cassette samplers to the crowd. This move was an effective strategy for spreading their music and getting fans excited about what was to come. However, it didn’t sit well with other bands on the lineup, who claimed the distribution was distracting fans from their own performances.
The jealousy grew as Slipknot’s street team became more active. Some bands were furious that Slipknot’s samplers were generating more interest than their own sets. They saw the cassette distribution as unfair competition and complained to Ozzfest organizers, resulting in Slipknot being told to stop handing out the tapes. Despite the objections, Slipknot had the backing of Sharon Osbourne, who was a key figure in organizing Ozzfest.
Shawn “Clown” Crahan described how difficult it was to stop the distribution of the tapes, especially given how much buzz they were generating. He eventually decided to defy the ban on cassette distribution, believing it was crucial to getting their music into fans’ hands. “I said, ‘Screw this, I can’t let these tapes go to waste anymore,’” Clown shared with Metal Hammer. “I thought, ‘We’re not gonna get kicked off the tour, and if I have to apologize later, I will.’ And wherever I went, all I could hear was our tape being played on hundreds of car stereos.”
It was a risky move, but one that paid off. The cassette samplers helped Slipknot build a fanbase even before their album dropped. The jealousy from other bands only seemed to grow as Slipknot’s popularity on the Ozzfest circuit continued to skyrocket.
Sharon Osbourne’s Support
Slipknot’s friction with other bands wasn’t limited to just Ozzfest. During their first national tour in 1999, they found themselves supporting Coal Chamber, a nu-metal band managed by Sharon Osbourne. Once again, Slipknot’s unhinged performances became a point of contention.
Jim Root recalled how Slipknot’s intense energy led to multiple attempts to kick them off the tour. However, Sharon Osbourne intervened each time to protect the band. “We were fucking unhinged, and I think there were moves to kick us off the tour more than once,” Jim said. “But Sharon Osbourne would be like, ‘The reason you have people at these shows is because of that band. Shut your fucking mouths and play your shows.’ It was a very interesting time.”
Sharon’s defense of Slipknot during these early tours was crucial to their success. She saw the potential in the band and recognized the attention they were bringing to the shows. While other bands may have been threatened by Slipknot’s raw energy and growing fanbase, Sharon knew they were destined for greatness. Her unwavering support allowed Slipknot to keep performing, even in the face of hostility and jealousy from their peers.
Rising Above the Hate
Slipknot’s 1999 Ozzfest appearance and their first national tour were defining moments in their career. Despite the jealousy and hostility they faced from other bands, Slipknot refused to back down. Their intense performances, innovative street team tactics, and relentless drive made them one of the most talked-about bands of the festival season.
Looking back on that time, Jim Root and Clown now see the jealousy and “shit talk” as a testament to their impact on the metal scene. While other bands were quick to dismiss them and predict their failure, Slipknot proved them wrong in spectacular fashion. Their self-titled debut album, released later that year, went on to become a landmark in the genre, selling millions of copies and establishing Slipknot as one of the biggest metal bands in the world.
The bands who underestimated them in 1999 were left in the dust as Slipknot’s career took off. The comments about their short-lived success and limited record sales proved to be wildly inaccurate. Slipknot became a defining force in metal, with their debut album and subsequent releases influencing a new generation of metal fans.
So: Slipknot’s Enduring Legacy
Slipknot’s rise to fame in 1999 wasn’t without its challenges. They faced hostility, jealousy, and even direct confrontation from other bands who saw them as a threat. But with the support of Sharon Osbourne and their own unrelenting drive, Slipknot rose above the negativity. Their appearance on Ozzfest and their first national tour set the stage for what would become an extraordinary career.
Today, Slipknot is regarded as one of the most influential metal bands of all time. Their energy, innovation, and refusal to conform to expectations continue to inspire fans around the world. The bands that once doubted them have faded into obscurity, while Slipknot remains at the forefront of the genre.
Their story serves as a reminder that true success often comes with challenges and opposition. But with determination, resilience, and the right support, even the most unexpected underdogs can rise to the top.
