Slipknot’s 25th anniversary has been one filled with nostalgia and excitement for fans, especially with their throwback look that pays homage to the early days of the band. When Slipknot first revealed their new yet retro-inspired masks in April, the anticipation for their anniversary tour was already at a fever pitch. However, the Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has taken things up a notch with an update to his iconic mask that has sent fans into a frenzy, particularly at the recent Knotfest Brasil.
Corey Taylor’s Mask Evolution: From ’99 to Today
For years, Corey Taylor’s mask has symbolized not only his on-stage persona but also the evolution of the band itself. From the early chaotic energy of the ’90s to the more polished and mature performances of today, his mask has been through various iterations. The mask revealed for Slipknot’s 25th anniversary was no exception. It was a callback to the band’s 1999 look, designed to capture the raw, visceral energy of the Slipknot era that took the world by storm.
But just when fans thought they had seen it all, Corey Taylor surprised them with a bold twist. At Knotfest Brasil, Corey debuted an upgraded version of his anniversary mask that featured red lights embedded in the eye sockets. These lights weren’t just for show—they glowed menacingly, adding a new layer of intensity to his already terrifying stage presence. The mask wasn’t merely a prop anymore; it became an extension of Taylor’s haunting performance.
Alicia Taylor Shares the Details
Corey’s wife, Alicia Taylor, took to social media to share the updated look with the world. Posting a photo on X (formerly Twitter), Alicia captioned the post with a playful reference: “five nights at coreys heyooo,” nodding to the horror video game series “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” which is known for its animatronic monsters and eerie atmosphere. The comparison is fitting, as the new mask looks like something straight out of a horror film, with its glowing red eyes creating an unsettling visual experience for both fans in the crowd and viewers online.
Alicia didn’t stop at just sharing the look. She also gave fans a behind-the-scenes peek into how the mask works and the challenges Corey faces when wearing it. “Clear round plastic with red lights inside that are placed on the inside part of the eye opening of the mask,” she explained. Alicia described the design as being similar to “flexible plastic glasses” or “those suctions for a shower caddy,” allowing the lights to glow from within. While the effect is undeniably cool, it comes with a major downside: visibility.
Corey reportedly struggles to see through the mask, with Alicia humorously noting that her husband was “walking like a zombie coming on and off stage” because of his limited vision. For a frontman as animated and high-energy as Corey, this could easily become a serious hazard, yet it seems like a price worth paying for the sheer impact the mask has on his performance. The glowing red eyes add an otherworldly aura to Slipknot’s live shows, especially when viewed under concert lighting.
Fan Reactions: Awe and Excitement
Slipknot’s loyal fan base is never shy about expressing their feelings, and the debut of Corey’s new mask at Knotfest Brasil was no different. Social media platforms were buzzing with reactions to the look, with fans hailing it as one of the best updates to his mask yet. Many applauded the creativity and innovation, appreciating how Taylor continues to push the boundaries of Slipknot’s visual aesthetic even after more than two decades in the spotlight.
Some fans, however, couldn’t help but express concern for Corey’s safety and comfort. “It looks awesome, but how is he supposed to move around like that?” one fan commented on Alicia’s post. Others echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the difficulty of performing in such a limited-visibility mask but praising Corey’s dedication to creating an unforgettable stage persona.
Despite the challenges, the mask’s dramatic effect on stage is undeniable. The red lights intensify the energy of Slipknot’s performances, and when Corey steps into the spotlight, the glowing eyes only add to the menacing and mysterious aura the band is known for. It’s this attention to detail, blending both visual and auditory elements, that continues to make Slipknot’s live shows such a unique and immersive experience.
Slipknot’s Upcoming European Tour
With Corey’s new mask already making waves at Knotfest Brasil, fans across Europe and the UK are eagerly awaiting their chance to witness the updated look in person.
five nights at coreys heyooo pic.twitter.com/FVwrx57m7Y
— uh-lee-see-yuh Taylor (@AliciaETaylor) October 20, 2024
holy shit pic.twitter.com/AW5Bvg1JsX
— wako ④ 🎃👻🍉 (@sarcastroph_e) October 20, 2024
Slipknot’s European tour kicks off in December, promising to bring their explosive live energy and cutting-edge visuals to cities across the continent. The tour schedule includes stops in major arenas across the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, France, and the UK, culminating in two massive shows at London’s iconic O2 Arena.
Here’s a look at the upcoming tour dates:
December 2024:
- 5: Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
- 6: Dortmund, Germany – Westfalenhalle
- 8: Stuttgart, Germany – Schleyerhalle
- 9: Leipzig, Germany – Quarterback Immobilien Arena
- 11: Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
- 12: Paris, France – Accorhotel Arena
- 14: Leeds, UK – First Direct Arena
- 15: Glasgow, UK – OVO Hydro
- 17: Manchester, UK – Co-op Live Arena
- 18: Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena
- 20: London, UK – The O2
- 21: London, UK – The O2
With such an extensive list of tour dates, it’s clear that Slipknot has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. The band’s ability to consistently evolve their music, stage presence, and visual identity is what has kept them at the forefront of the metal scene for 25 years. Fans are eager to see what else Corey Taylor and Slipknot have in store for their anniversary celebrations, and if the glowing red-eyed mask is any indication, there’s plenty more excitement to come.
Corey Taylor’s updated mask is more than just a new look; it represents the continued evolution of Slipknot as a band. Over the years, they have managed to keep their identity fresh while staying true to their roots, and this 25th anniversary tour is a testament to that. As Slipknot continues to push boundaries in their music and visual presentation, their fan base grows ever more devoted, and their place in the pantheon of metal legends is solidified.
For those lucky enough to attend one of the upcoming shows in Europe or the UK, Corey’s new mask is sure to be a highlight of the performance. Whether it’s the nostalgic nod to Slipknot’s early days or the cutting-edge design with its glowing red eyes, this mask is a fitting tribute to a band that has never been content to rest on their laurels.
As Slipknot celebrates 25 years of chaos, Corey Taylor’s new mask reminds us all that even after two and a half decades, the band still has plenty of surprises up their sleeve.
