Slipknot Takes on Hot Wings and Hilarity Ensues While Expressing Their Love for Britney Spears
The infamous Slipknot duo, Corey Taylor and Shawn “Clown” Crahan, took a fiery turn when they appeared on an episode of Hot Ones Versus, a spin-off of the popular Hot Ones series where celebrities attempt to answer questions while eating increasingly spicy chicken wings. It’s hard to imagine anything going smoothly when Slipknot is involved, especially with Halloween approaching, masks on, and sauces blazing.
From the very beginning, it was clear this would be no ordinary episode. Corey Taylor, the band’s intense frontman, struggled to breathe as the heat from the wings started getting to him almost immediately. With his trademark mask—which could either be described as a decaying corpse or an insect’s hive wrapped around his head—Taylor gasped, “You can tell that’s why it’s good because I’m getting hiccups.” With hands outstretched dramatically, like a Shakespearean actor in the throes of a soliloquy, his suffering was both hilarious and relatable to any hot sauce enthusiast. Meanwhile, his bandmate, the enigmatic percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan, took a more relaxed approach, laughing at Taylor’s discomfort and quipping, “You’re not gonna do that the whole time, are ya?”
For the next 16 minutes, the two tried to maintain their composure while tackling scorching-hot wings, all while being quizzed about their career and enduring the pain brought on by each progressively spicier bite. The iconic pair navigated their way through the episode with humor, sarcasm, and, of course, the unavoidable agony that comes with Hot Ones.
Masked Legends Rate Other Masked Musicians
One of the standout moments was when Crahan was asked to rate the headgear of other famous masked musicians, including Daft Punk, Gwar, and Marshmello. Slipknot’s use of masks is one of the band’s defining features, with each member donning unique and terrifying creations that reflect their personas. Naturally, Crahan had opinions on the artistic and functional aspects of other musicians’ masks, giving insightful, if cheeky, critiques that only someone from Slipknot could deliver.
As the heat level on the wings increased, Taylor ranked artists he’s famously feuded with, including Limp Bizkit, Nickelback, and Machine Gun Kelly. For a band known for its aggressive sound and often controversial antics, these moments of reflection were delivered with surprising lightheartedness. Taylor, known for his outspoken nature, took the opportunity to poke fun at himself as well. His self-deprecating humor came through as he failed to successfully tie a slipknot on camera—a moment that was accompanied by another bout of hiccups and even more laughter from Crahan.
The Pain Kicks In
As the episode progressed, so did the intensity of the hot sauce, and it wasn’t long before both Taylor and Crahan were visibly struggling. “There’s just this volcano in my mouth,” Crahan remarked after eating one particularly brutal wing. His mask, which doesn’t have an obvious mouth hole, made his predicament even more amusing as he explained that the heat wasn’t escaping, adding, “I have a whirlpool happening.” Taylor, never one to be outdone, compared the sensation to having cigarettes put out on his face, illustrating the sheer pain both were enduring in their unique Slipknot way.
What made the episode even more captivating was Taylor’s attempt at a more measured, reflective approach. He mentioned several times that he’s working on being a better person and not letting his mouth get him into as much trouble. When asked to name a fellow musician who lip-syncs during live performances, Taylor opted for the show’s ultimate challenge—a “death wing”—instead of calling anyone out publicly. The result? More pain, of course, but it showed a more thoughtful side to Taylor as he sought to avoid unnecessary drama, even while his mouth was on fire.
Slipknot’s Love for Britney Spears?
One of the more unexpected moments of the episode came when Crahan confessed his admiration for Britney Spears. Between the flames and the chaos, Crahan explained why he had such affection for the pop star, catching both the audience and perhaps even his bandmate off guard. It’s not every day you hear members of Slipknot openly express their love for a pop princess, but Crahan’s explanation added a humorous and genuine twist to the intense episode.
Reflecting on 25 Years of Slipknot
As much as the episode was about Slipknot’s willingness to endure absurd amounts of heat, it also offered a moment to reflect on the band’s legacy. Slipknot is currently celebrating the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album, a milestone that underscores the impact they’ve had on the metal scene and their dedicated fanbase. The band’s Here Comes the Pain Tour has been a triumphant revisiting of their roots, with Slipknot performing the album and its accompanying B-sides in full, including at the legendary Madison Square Garden.
Reflecting on the tour, Crahan explained to Rolling Stone that after 25 years, Slipknot has cultivated a genuine culture, both within the band and among their fans. “We have a real life behind our 25 years, and it comes out every night, and our fans stay there to the end. They don’t go to their cars. So I’m having a blast revisiting the self-titled. It’s pretty amazing to me,” Crahan shared. This insight added weight to the otherwise wild Hot Ones episode, showcasing the band’s continued relevance and the enduring connection they have with their audience.
Slipknot’s Worldwide Presence
Following their North American leg, including the sold-out Madison Square Garden performance, Slipknot will continue their tour with shows in South America, Central America, Europe, and the U.K. They’re also scheduled to appear at Sacramento’s Aftershock Festival on October 11. Slipknot’s live shows have always been a spectacle, combining their intense music with theatrical performances that leave fans in awe.
With their masks on, Slipknot’s stage presence is an unforgettable experience, and episodes like Hot Ones Versus only add to their mythos. Their ability to blend humor, self-awareness, and sheer chaos makes them a force to be reckoned with in every setting—whether on stage or enduring an intense hot sauce challenge.
The Hot Ones Versus episode with Slipknot was a perfect blend of humor, pain, and genuine emotion, as Corey Taylor and Shawn Crahan revealed different facets of their personalities while enduring the burning sensation of spicy wings. From reflecting on their career to showcasing their love for Britney Spears, Slipknot continues to surprise and entertain in ways that keep fans engaged, even when they’re not making music. The band’s relentless drive and ever-evolving nature ensure that they’ll remain a dominant force in metal for years to come.
