Slipknot Bassist Dies
By: Carl Sundberg
Last updated May 25th , 2010

The Devil must need a new band, because it seems he's cashing in his chips to get a pretty kick-ass lineup in Hell. First he grabbed drummer Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan from Avenged Sevenfold. Then the deaths of singers Peter Steel from Type O Negative and Ronnie James Dio followed. At this point the only position still needed in the Devil's New Band is a guitarist. Yesterday Slipknot bassist, Paul Gray, aka #2 or The Pig, was found dead in a hotel room in Iowa at the age of 38.

No many details have emerged at this point, including the cause of death, although police on the scene did say there was no evidence of foul play. The investigation is ongoing. An autopsy is scheduled for today, according to Urbandale police Sgt. Dave Disney. Gray was found alone, apparently dead. Police would not disclose whether there was anything of interest in Gray's room, although from local news video, one could see police carrying out a bass guitar case and some clothing. 

Rumors circling the internet point to drug overdose, as Gray has battled with heavy drugs in the past, including heroin and cocaine. In the November 2008 issue of Revolver Magazine talked about his drug problems openly during the recording process of both their second and third albums, "Iowa" and "Vol. 3: The Subliminal Verses". "Mostly I did a lot of drinking and some drugs - some heavy, heavy drugs ... lots of heroin. I was shooting speedballs every day," he said. "And then pills. I was on everything, man. In the beginning I kind of had my shit under control, but after awhile, no. I became an addict."

Eventually though, Gray checked himself into rehab after a band intervention, and after some tough times, it appeared Gray was clean and sober. He also said that he was very happy in life, with a new wife and as of December of last year, Gray revealed his wife was pregnant with the couple's first child. "I am the happiest man on the face of the earth - literally!" he wrote. "This has been the best Christmas I have ever had!"

And now, he's gone. Of what, we don't know yet. We'll be following this story and updating you as details emerge. What we do know is that it's been a very difficult few months of bad news in the heavy metal world. RIP Paul Gray. You will be missed.

[Tags] Metal, Rock

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