6 bands that should hire Jay Weinberg
Slipknot made headlines last weekend with the unexpected announcement that the band had “parted ways” with their longtime drummer, Jay Weinberg. Weinberg, who had himself replaced legendary founding member Joey Jordinson, had been a fan favorite and acclaimed performer during his decade-long run with the group. Weinberg’s recent admission of shock and sadness at being let go strongly suggests that the percussionist was blindsided by the move. While it begs the question of “What the fuck is Corey Taylor thinking…”, we decided to instead ponder where Jay could take his talents next.
Without further ado, here are 6 bands that should hire Jay Weinberg.
Kerry King’s Solo Project
Since Slayer retired back in 2019, guitarist Kerry King has been adamant that he intends to continue performing and writing thrash metal. While we haven’t heard too much concrete information about where the project stands, Gary Holt (guitarist of Exodus, performed with King in post-Jeff Hanneman era Slayer) could potentially be involved; and that there’s hope for new material and shows by sometime next year (King is booked for at least one festival next summer!). If King can’t corral one of his ex-Slayer bandmates Paul Bostaph or the legendary but perpetually busy Dave Lombardo, Weinberg could be an exceptional fit that would bring some extra excitement to an already highly anticipated project.
Unrelated thought, but Kerry should be legally required to name the band Kingslayer. It’s what Jaime Lannister would’ve wanted.
Misfits
Since 2016, the reunion of the band’s original members of Glenn Danzig, Jerry Only, and Doyle has sporadically headlined festivals and filled a few impressively large stadiums a couple times per year. Aforementioned drum god Dave Lombardo has been the perfect all-star fill in; but if he were to join Kerry’s project or decide to commit more time to one of his other projects (Dave is currently drumming for Mr. Bungle, Dead Cross, Fantômas, & Empire State Bastard), Weinberg would be a great stylistic fit and perhaps the perfect push for the New Jersey punk legends to write some new material.
Ghost
If Jay is interested to continue performing in a mask, he could seamlessly transition right into Ghost with minimal change to his on-stage aesthetic. While it’s difficult to imagine one of metal’s best drummers embracing the anonymity of being one of Tobias Forge’s Nameless Ghouls, it wouldn’t be completely without precedent - not only has Ghost flirted with the occasional superstar fill in (allegedly Dave Grohl might have performed with them around when he produced their If You Have Ghost EP), but Weinberg was briefly anonymous himself when he initially replaced Joey Jordinson in Slipknot. While Ghost’s internal dynamics are somewhat secretive, it’s fun to imagine Weinberg flexing through the band’s heavier material. This is of course moot if Weinberg has actually already been in Ghost all along - has anyone ever seen Jay Weinberg and Ludvig Kennberg in a room together?
Rush
There’s obviously no way to properly fill the void left by the inimitable Neil Peart, who passed away in 2018. But with some time having passed and Geddy Lee & Alex Lifeson still sounding phenomenal when they briefly reunited (with Dave Grohl on drums) at the all-star tribute concert for Taylor Hawkins, Weinberg could be one of the few drummers alive with both the talent and pedigree to appease even Rush’s most fanatical fanbase. Even the diehards would have to be curious to hear it - and if there’s any concern about disrespecting Peart, just call the new band Dash or something equally cheeky.
Pantera
Speaking of a band that recently reunited despite some minor controversy over what would’ve been the wishes of beloved brothers Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, Pantera has dominated the metal world this last year with Zakk Wylde and Charlie Benante performing admirably with Rex Brown and Phil Anselmo. If Charlie were to want to return to Anthrax however (there’s rumors they could be doing a new album next year), Weinberg would be a phenomenal fit that one could easily imagine Vinnie would’ve approved of.
Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street Band
Having previously played with Springsteen for a handful of shows back in 2009, the younger Weinberg could make an epic play to permanently replace his father in the Boss’s operation. While he’s at it, he could also campaign to bring Conan O’Brien back on the air and subsequently usurp his father’s famed role as the leader of The Tonight Show Band. Max famously introduced a young Jay to Slipknot when they were appearing on Conan - perhaps it’s destiny to come full circle. Just imagining Bruce imploring Jay to “Take your father’s place at my side” makes this a scenario worth hoping for.
