SLIPKNOT's CLOWN Forced To Miss Australian Tour Due To 'Family Emergency'

SLIPKNOT percussionist Shawn “Clown” Crahan has been forced to miss the band’s current Australian tour with LAMB OF GOD and IN HEARTS WAKE.

Singer Corey Taylor addressed Crahan‘s absence during the trek’s kick-off concert Friday night (October 28) in Brisbane. He told the crowd (see video below, courtesy of Music Feeds): “First things first: as you can see, we are missing one of our brothers. Unfortunately, Clown was forced to go home for a family emergency. He couldn’t get out of it, but he sends his fucking love to each and [every one of you]. He wanted to be here more than anything, but he told us all to make sure you motherfuckers knew.”

Crahan has since revealed on Instagram that his father-in-law passed away, requiring the SLIPKNOT percussionist to stay home and grieve with the rest of his family.

“Today we lost the leader of our family,” Crahan wrote. “My father-in-law, my other dad. I am so very lucky to have known him. He is one of my favorite people in this world and I learned so much from him. I love you, Mr. Noyes. Life will never be the same without you.”

In a show of solidarity for Crahan‘s loss, his bandmates symbolically mounted his mask near his iconic keg drums, alongside a tribute of fresh flowers, for the duration of the Brisbane show.

SLIPKNOT is scheduled to perform in Sydney Saturday night, with the final show of the Australian tour scheduled for Monday (October 31) in Melbourne.

Today we lost the leader of our family. My Father In Law my other dad. I’m am so very lucky to have known him. He is one of my favorite people in this world and I learned so much from him. I love you Mr. Noyes. Life will never be the same without you.

A photo posted by M. Shawn Crahan (@6cl6wn6) on Oct 27, 2016 at 6:20pm PDT