4 March 2025 – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – words and pictures by Lex Eve
Did you feel the pulse of the maggots from the Adelaide Entertainment Centre last night?
A swarm of black shirts and tattoos invaded the AEC, like a deathly plume of toxic gas. Is this the real reason why Slipknot wear masks?
That was the sold out crowd for Slipknot’s 25th anniversary sideshow. Bringing their chaotic, unhinged and intense “groove metal” to Adelaide as part of their Knotfest tour for the east coast. Lead singer Corey Taylor stated “Adelaide, the [best] city in Australia” … but I’m sure he just says that to all the cities…
Supported by Vended, a nu-metal band reigning from Slipknot’s hometown in Iowa, we were in for a nostalgic night of industrial metal, paired eclectically with rap and DJ pads. Being that they are the offspring of Slipknot (Corey Taylor’s son, Griffon on vocals) That was delivered in full force.
Through the smoke and haze of the packed AEC, the iconic Slipknot “S” sigils light the stage in neon-green creating an eerie ambience opening their freak show. Metal beer kegs, baseball bats, plastic tubing, industrial wind turbines – setting the stage for what is going to be an unhinged and chaotic few hours of one of the most entertaining metal groups this century.
Slipknot members, Corey Taylor (Vocals), Mick Thomson (Guitar), Sid Wilson (Decks), Jim Root (Guitar), Alex Venturella (Bass), Michael “Tortilla Man” Pfaff (Percussion), Unknown Member (Keys/Samples) and new drummer Eloy Casagrande were dressed in their signature jumpsuits with the Slipknot barcode patches, but this time, in white. They were also wearing revised designs of some of their “original” masks – Corey with his classic “Dreadlocks” mask. This was said to represent their 25 years together. One thing missing from last night’s show was one of the main members, Clown. Due to family “news” he had to be at home. The band was very respectful of this decision saying that the only thing that would stop him from coming, would be family. Clown is one of the original members and creative mastermind’s behind Slipknot’s unique presence and sound.
Starting strong with the ambient; ‘742617000027’ opening to ‘Sic’. Fourteen songs of complete and utter nightmare. Promised “something different” from the other festivals, but the lineup appears the same in Adelaide as the East Coast shows. Still, a great mix of old and new songs, including tracks that may have been long forgotten. The usual bangers; ‘People = Shit’, ‘Wait and Bleed’, ‘Heretic Anthem’, ‘Psychosocial’ went down a treat. My favourite moment? The DJ solo. Incredibly nostalgic of the 2000’s Nu-Metal genre. Industrial, heavy, completely creepy and insane. I needed bleach blonde hair, baggy cargo pants and a skateboard. And at that one moment – I was 14 years old again.
A quick shout out – The sound technicians nailed it. From where I was (at the back right) – incredibly balanced, loud – but not deafening (AEC have earplugs available for free if you need them!), and the light show was great for an indoor event.
Speaking of behind the scenes, I was told that Slipknot would be using new ESP’s (possibly) but did I even get a chance to NOTICE? No. Their guitar changes, lighting, set changes, were impeccably quick and timed perfectly. These guys are pros.
Slipknot – Adelaide Entertainment Centre – photos by Lex Eve
A quick encore, starting with Corey telling the crowd “not to let any motherfucker tell you what to do” and requested everyone to put their middle fingers up – and the band erupted into ‘Spit it Out’ for another aggressive, emotionally-driven, metal sing-along.
Closing the show, a song that hasn’t been played live at Australian shows in 20 years. Corey said we “are about to go somewhere dark” and shushed the crowd. A baseball bat on a corrugated pipe opened “Scissors” to introduce a raw and gruesome delight. A flashback to Slipknot’s roots. The mosh pit battered and breathless – Fans completely rocking out of their minds on the balcony gave me a great sense of whimsy; something you don’t normally feel at heavy metal gigs.
Even if you aren’t a fan of their music, Slipknot are definitely a band to enjoy the stage show. Their crazy stages, hilarious (but horrifying) costumes, and completely deafening percussion are what the “maggots” keep coming back for.
Congrats on 25 years mates
