Slipknot’s Clown Reveals Need for Heart Surgery in Candid Interview with Rick Rubin
Shawn “Clown” Crahan, the visionary percussionist and co-founder of the masked metal titans Slipknot, recently opened up about a serious health scare. During an appearance on the podcast Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin, Crahan revealed that he requires heart surgery to address a condition involving a “skipping heart.”
The revelation provides a rare, vulnerable glimpse into the physical toll of a decades-long career in one of the most high-energy acts in heavy metal. While the news is startling, Crahan maintains a positive outlook, describing the upcoming procedure as manageable and necessary for his longevity.
The Discovery: A Near-Miss Heart Attack Scare
Crahan discovered the issue following the band’s most recent tour. After feeling unwell, he sought medical attention, leading to a confusing and frightening encounter during a routine diagnostic test. According to Crahan, a nurse attempted to perform an EKG, but the process was stalled when he momentarily fell asleep.
“I kind of fell asleep and I woke up. I’m like, ‘Are you going to get this thing?’ And she’s like, ‘Oh, it’s not working.’ They thought I was having a heart attack right there,” Crahan shared.
Medical evaluations revealed that Crahan’s heart skips beats and operates at an unusually low rate. He noted that his standing heart rate at night is 43, and during the day, it can drop as low as 33. Crahan attributed this anomaly to a combination of being overweight and a strong mental drive that “tells this stuff what to do,” comparing his physiological state to that of a cross-country runner.
The Procedure and the “Pacemaker” Fear
Despite the initial alarm, Crahan clarified that the required surgery is not an invasive “open-heart” procedure. He described it as a “very easy surgery” focused on the “electricity” of the heart, noting that patients are typically discharged on the same day.
However, the process wasn’t without its emotional hurdles. Crahan admitted he initially feared the doctors would recommend a pacemaker, which he worried would signal the end of his time with Slipknot. He recalled asking his doctor if a pacemaker meant he was “done” with touring. To his surprise, the doctor assured him he would actually feel better after the intervention.
At 56, Crahan acknowledged the need to prioritize his health to keep up with the demands of the band. “You better get in shape because you got to do more now at 56,” his concierge doctor advised.
Reflections on Loss and the Bond of Slipknot
The conversation with Rick Rubin extended beyond health, touching on the deep emotional scars left by the passing of former bandmates Paul Gray and Joey Jordison. Crahan spoke candidly about the difficulty of continuing the band’s legacy without his friends.
Reflecting on Paul Gray, Crahan credited him as the catalyst for his music career, stating, “He’s the whole reason I’m sitting here. He hijacked me from my art career.” He also pushed back against the common sentiment that Gray would simply want the band to move forward, questioning if others considered the pain of continuing without a close friend.
Key Takeaways: Shawn Crahan’s Health Update
- The Condition: Crahan suffers from a “skipping heart” and abnormally low heart rates (33–43 bpm).
- The Surgery: An outpatient procedure focusing on the heart’s electrical system; it is not an open-heart surgery.
- Career Impact: Despite initial fears that a heart condition or pacemaker would end his touring days, medical professionals have assured him he will feel better and can continue.
- Personal Reflection: Crahan continues to navigate the grief of losing Paul Gray and Joey Jordison while maintaining Slipknot’s intensity.
While the prospect of heart surgery is daunting, Crahan views the situation with a sense of gratitude, concluding that he is “lucky” to have access to the care he needs. For fans of Slipknot, the news underscores the resilience of the band’s founding member as he prepares to tackle both his health and the future of the group.