Slipknot announce temporary bassist

Slipknot have revealed that former guitarist and founding member Donnie Steele will perform bass for the Des Moines metallers in their first shows since the death of bassist Paul Gray.

Steele, who originally left the band in 1996, will join the band on a temporary basis for their upcoming European and South American festival dates which begin in Athens, Greece on June 17.

"Donnie was in the band at the very beginning, and rather than get an outsider, we thought it would be a fitting tribute to Paul to play with someone from within the family," reads a statement from the band. "Donnie was great friends with Paul and we can't think of a better way to celebrate his memory than with someone who was there with us at the very beginning. The eight of us are looking forward to being onstage again and honoring Paul's legacy with our families in Europe and Brazil this summer."

Tags: Slipknot

Posted by Simon at 06:45AM | March 11, 2011

whoooop but sad

Posted by Halima | March 11, 2011 9:17 AM | Reply to this

Smart move there, RIP Paul... long live Slipknot.

Posted by Groteque | March 11, 2011 9:21 AM | Reply to this

Interestin to see if he sports the same mask tho. thats probably not the way to do it. so wonder what he will have. n i wonder if the whole band have new masks ?
RIP Paul

Posted by james | March 11, 2011 11:07 AM | Reply to this

good move by slipknot choosing an ex member to play bass for them. RIP Paul

Posted by Jack | March 11, 2011 11:16 AM | Reply to this

I'm glad they can move on after such a tragic lost I think would of wanted them too xx rip paul xx

Posted by clairem | March 11, 2011 2:17 PM | Reply to this

I'm glad they can move on after such a tragic lost I think would of wanted them too xx rip paul xx

Posted by clairem | March 11, 2011 2:18 PM | Reply to this

I'm glad they can move on after such a tragic lost I think would of wanted them too xx rip paul xx

Posted by clairem | March 11, 2011 2:19 PM | Reply to this

I'm glad they can move on after such a tragic lost I think would of wanted them too xx rip paul xx

Posted by clairem | March 11, 2011 2:35 PM | Reply to this

No way should he wear paul's mask bu to be honest i dont think he will. new masks all around would be fitting.

Posted by andy F | March 11, 2011 4:31 PM | Reply to this

good move, i dont think that donnie would even wear a mask tbh, as he never used to wear a mask when he was in slipknot

Posted by Craggerz | March 11, 2011 5:06 PM | Reply to this

good move, i dont think that donnie would even wear a mask tbh, as he never used to wear a mask when he was in slipknot

Posted by Craggerz | March 11, 2011 5:06 PM | Reply to this

didnt they already post this...not that im comlaining.

Posted by edd | March 11, 2011 5:13 PM | Reply to this

I expect Donnie will probably wear his own mask rather than paul's.

Posted by Jake | March 11, 2011 5:14 PM | Reply to this

i hope he doesnt wear pauls mask and tbh i dont think he will, i'm really looking forward to Slipknot I cant get to any of the festivals this year but i know theySlipknot will do a good job in honouring his memory
RIP Paul <3

Posted by Grace | March 11, 2011 7:38 PM | Reply to this

Good decition, i hope Donnie is soon made long-term.

Posted by (SiC) | March 11, 2011 9:26 PM | Reply to this

Paul , aonde quer que você esteja , você sempre estara no slipknot!!

Posted by Fabio Maggot | March 11, 2011 11:17 PM | Reply to this

That's clever move, mate.

Posted by Dominika | March 12, 2011 12:21 AM | Reply to this

i loved paul gray, and i have no doubt that donnie will be just as good as him. go slipknot :3

Posted by Dani | March 13, 2011 5:40 PM | Reply to this

i loved paul gray, and i have no doubt that donnie will be just as good as him. go slipknot :3

Posted by Dani | March 13, 2011 5:41 PM | Reply to this

i loved paul gray, and i have no doubt that donnie will be just as good as him. go slipknot :3

Posted by Dani | March 13, 2011 5:41 PM | Reply to this

i loved paul gray, and i have no doubt that donnie will be just as good as him. go slipknot :3

Posted by Dani | March 13, 2011 5:42 PM | Reply to this

They should make him wear a mask that is blank and completely hides his face. kind of like he is anonymous. I agree with moving on but its too soon to replace Paul and his persona of the mask...
The pig lives!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by chris M | March 20, 2011 4:33 PM | Reply to this