Joey Jordison Drum Set, Kit & Instruments | MetalForge
Joey Jordison Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
What instruments did Joey Jordison play? Slipknot's drummer (and Murderdolls guitarist) built his kit on a Pearl Reference Series shell pack, signature 13×6....
Quick Facts: Joey Jordison
| Band | Slipknot |
|---|---|
| All bands | Slipknot, Murderdolls, Sinsaenum, Vimic |
| Genre | Nu Metal / Death Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Pearl |
| Drum kit | Pearl Reference Series |
| Snare | Pearl Joey Jordison Signature 13x6.5" |
| Sticks | Promark Joey Jordison Signature TX515W |
Joey Jordison Biography
Joey Jordison (born Nathan Jonas Jordison; April 26, 1975 – July 26, 2021) was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer. Best known as the original drummer of Slipknot from 1995 to 2013, Jordison was widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential metal drummers of all time.
His blistering speed, technical precision, and theatrical stage presence—including performing on a rotating, inverted drum platform—made him an icon in the metal community. Beyond Slipknot, Jordison founded the horror punk band Murderdolls, played guitar for Rob Zombie's touring band, and drummed for numerous projects including Sinsaenum, Vimic, and a brief stint with Metallica in 2004.
Career Highlights
- 1995: Joined Slipknot (then known as The Pale Ones), becoming member #1
- 1999: Released Slipknot's self-titled debut album, achieving platinum status
- 2001: Released "Iowa," considered one of the heaviest albums ever recorded
- 2001: Formed Murderdolls with Wednesday 13, playing guitar
- 2002: Performed legendary drum solo on "Disasterpieces" live DVD
- 2004: Briefly filled in for Lars Ulrich on Metallica tour dates
- 2006: Voted #1 in Revolver Magazine's "Greatest Metal Drummers of All Time"
- 2008: Released "All Hope Is Gone," Slipknot's first #1 Billboard album
- 2010: Won Revolver Golden Gods Award for Best Drummer
- 2013: Parted ways with Slipknot; later revealed he had been battling transverse myelitis
- 2016: Formed Sinsaenum and Vimic; continued performing despite health challenges
- 2021: Passed away on July 26, 2021, leaving an immeasurable legacy
Style & Influences
Joey Jordison's drumming style combined extreme speed with surgical precision. He was capable of sustained blast beats at over 200 BPM while maintaining clarity and groove. His approach blended death metal technicality with nu-metal groove and punk energy.
Key Influences:
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal double bass technique
- Gene Hoglan (Death): Technical death metal precision
- Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe): Theatrical stage presence
- Buddy Rich: Jazz technique applied to metal
Signature Techniques:
- Sustained blast beats at extreme tempos
- Complex syncopated patterns on songs like "People = Shit"
- One-handed rolls and rapid-fire fills
- Performing while rotating upside down on his drum riser
- Seamless integration of electronic triggers with acoustic drums
Gear Highlights
Joey Jordison was a Pearl Drums endorser for most of his career, developing signature products that remain popular with metal drummers. His drum set was designed for speed, power, and durability during intense performances.
Signature Drum Set (Peak Slipknot Era):
- Drums: Pearl Reference Series in custom purple/black finishes
- Snare: Pearl Joey Jordison Signature 13"x6.5" (smaller diameter for faster response)
- Cymbals: Paiste RUDE and 2002 series (known for durability and cut)
- Hardware: Pearl Demon Drive double pedal; Pearl Icon rack system
- Sticks: Promark Joey Jordison Signature TX515W
- Heads: Evans (Hydraulic or EC2 series)
Notable Gear Innovations:
- Pioneered the rotating/inverted drum platform for theatrical performances
- Used a 13" snare (smaller than standard 14") for faster response
- Custom drum rack system to support the rotating rig
- Later switched to SJC Drums for post-Slipknot projects
For a complete era-by-era component breakdown, see the [Joey Jordison drum setup guide](/articles/joey-jordison-drum-setup).
Frequently Asked Questions
What drums did Joey Jordison play?
Joey Jordison played Pearl Reference Series drums with his signature 13"x6.5" snare.
When did Joey Jordison die?
Joey Jordison passed away on July 26, 2021, at age 46.
Why did Joey Jordison leave Slipknot?
Joey left Slipknot in 2013; he later revealed he had been battling transverse myelitis.
What was Joey Jordison famous for?
Joey was famous for his extreme speed, rotating drum platform, and co-founding Slipknot.
What was Joey Jordison's mask number?
Joey wore mask #1 in Slipknot, a Kabuki-style Japanese mask.
What drum set did Joey Jordison use?
Joey Jordison used a Pearl Masters Premium Maple drum set during his Slipknot career. The drum set was configured with his signature Pearl Joey Jordison 13"×6.5" snare — smaller than the standard 14" for faster machine-gun fills — paired with Paiste RUDE Series cymbals and Pearl Demon Drive double bass pedals. He later transitioned to a Pearl Reference Pure kit for his side projects.
What was Joey Jordison's drum kit?
Joey Jordison's drum kit during his peak Slipknot era was a Pearl Masters Premium Maple configuration, centred on his signature 13"×6.5" Pearl Joey Jordison snare drum. Pearl Demon Drive double bass pedals powered his extreme blast beats. Paiste RUDE Series cymbals — 14" hi-hats, 18" & 19" crashes, 20" Chinas, and a 22" Power Ride — completed the kit.
What cymbals did Joey Jordison use?
Joey Jordison used Paiste RUDE and 2002 series cymbals — 14" hi-hats, 18" & 19" crashes, 20" & 22" Chinas, and a 22" Power Ride — prized for their aggressive cut and extreme durability during Slipknot's most demanding live shows.
What bass drum pedals did Joey Jordison use?
Joey Jordison used a Pearl Demon Drive double bass drum pedal, giving him the speed and durability required for his extreme double kick patterns and the blast beats he performed live on Slipknot's rotating drum riser.