#Corey Goes to Concerts

[taamlok]

here's a collection of all the shadow figures i could find, under the cut for length and spoilers

i have posted about this previously, but there are 2 shadow figures that frequently show up in the game: one of them is kat and the other is corey. kat's shadow is doing her idle pose, and you can clearly see the strands of hair by her ears, her rolled up sweater sleeves, and the indents of her overall straps. corey's shadow sports his distinctive haircut, the silhouette of the outfit he's wearing the night of the concert, and also is standing in corey's idle pose with his arm crossed (he's even slightly rolling one ankle).

shadow!kat

ther first shadow!kat sighting takes place in 2022, where she can be seen on the righthand side of the bar when swann gets out of her car during the opening scene. (thank you @knifenick for telling me about this one!)

shadow!kat can also be seen standing in the corner of the cabin when swann breaks in for the first time. i think it's fair to say that she is the one who caused the "woosh" noise and posted the note with instructions of how to get in, especially since her knife is used to pin it to the post.

if you go up into the loft while cleaning out the cabin and approach the corn husk doll, shadow!kat blinks in and out of view

shadow!kat flickers behind swann right before the power goes out during their video viewing party

EDIT 21/04/2025: after the girls head back to the cabin from the campfire at the lake, you can examine the heart with the girls' initials carved into a tree. when you do so, shadow!kat will pop in and out of view.

EDIT 21/04/2025: when the girls enter the clearing for the first time, shadow!Kat appears behind swann

if you don't chicken out of bloody mary, shadow!kat appears behind swann in the mirror. you can even see the tie on top of her headband. interestingly, it was kat who made the dare and egged swann on to keep going

here she is again in the hunting blind, watching swann follow the moths to the abyss. weirdly, this version of her has no clothes or hair AND has distinguishable facial features, which is how i was able to ID her as kat. i don't think this was intentional and is probably just a bug with the shadow model.

shadow!corey

the first time you can see shadow!corey is when he knocks over the clown standee at the park. between this and shadow!kat hanging the note in the cabin, this is proof that both shadow!kat and shadow!corey can physically interact with their environment to some extent.

there are 5 shadow!coreys located in the forest on the night that the girls find the cabin. i was actually able to get 2 in one shot by using the freecam mode, however they are positioned in a way that stops you from being able to see more than one at a time in regular gameplay. it seems we're supposed to feel like the shadow is popping in and out of different locations around the forest. i also think it's worth noting that in both this scene and the scene with the clown standee remarks are made about there being a serial killer (swann optional dialogue and kat saying there's a masked serial killer in the woods, respectively). there's also the brief clip at the start of the game that shows someone wearing a wolf mask, which i think is corey (i brightened it in photoshop and could see his eye colour). not really relevant here, just food for thought.

here's shadow!corey watching the girls make their blood pact.

when we return to 2022 from the memory of finding the abyss, you can look out the window to find shadow!corey once again. nora and autumn are talking about him during this scene, saying that he was blamed for something that happened at the ranch.

if i missed any please let me know and i'll add them! also feel free to share this elsewhere, all i ask is that you please link back to this post because this took a lot of time and effort!

[fritz-federleicht]

the 1999 slipknot guys (like sid, mick, joey, chris, n corey maybe paul too) with a mall goth s/o, just like general head cannons. preferably gn reader but i don’t rlly care on the gender. so basically the reader dresses like Talena Atfield from Kittie, that type of style, and they mainly listen to like nu, industrial, n goth metal!! if not that’s totally ok!!

... with a mall goth reader/ Slipknot x reader

Notes: i didn't write anything for Paul, i had too few ideas, hope you still like it

Sid:

- he has a soft spot for goth clothing, but only when you wear it

- maybe that's because you led him to it through your development

- you didn't always dress like this

- in the past you didn't put much thought into what you wore, you just took

what you get

- you were already a couple back then

- at some point it clicked and you dressed differently

- Sid thought it was a bit weird at first, he didn't think your new look was bad it's not like that, but you just looked different, not like when he first met you

- but the way Sid is, he thinks it makes you dangerous, and he thinks that's hot

- it also has a plus point, now Sid doesn't have to worry about unwanted pairs of eyes looking at you

- also your taste in music has changed

- of course you always supported his music, listened to it, but you never listened to more than Slipknot

- now you have discovered your passion for metal, which Sid is very happy about, because you can visit concerts of this kind together

- extra: with his oversize jumpsuits he wears at gigs he has one of your bracelets on each arm, so he is not only closer to you but can also work at the mixing desk without the sleeves slipping down

Joey:

- he loves your clothes with all his heart

- especially your jewelry and shoes

- if you have the same shoe size he wears your boots to Murderdolls gigs

- when you come home with new bracelets he asks you to show them to him

- you do it proudly of course, want to show off your new achievements

- Joey looks at everything examining, already considers which he can steal from time to time

- sometime later you want to wear a new bracelet, but it's not there

- "Joey! Have you seen my bracelet?"

- you enter the room he is in, he hides his hand behind his back. "No?"

- you walk up to him and pull his hand out from behind his back. Your bracelet dangles around his wrist. "If you like my jewelry so much why don't you buy the exact same thing? Why don't we go partnered?" You suggest

- Joey, of course, is thrilled. But only goes along on one condition. "You pick out the jewelry and I buy it."

- that's how it comes that you often wear the same accessories

Chris:

- as soon as he sees you in fishnet clothes something stirs inside him, he just loves it

- on those days he can't tear his eyes away from you

- all the time they are on you, not craving or anything, just desiring, like you are the most valuable thing this world has ever produced

- but not only his gaze is constantly on you, but also his hands

- he runs his fingers over the black squares, touching your skin and giving you goose bumps

- at the beginning he found your reaction to his touch cute, now he finds it endearing

Mick:

- this big man loves to kiss you

- it looks quite funny when you wear chains with spikes

- he bends down to you and cups your jaw lovingly as if you were fragile

- at the same time he touches your chain and gets pricked

- he slowly lets his gaze wander from your eyes, over your beautiful face and then finally to your necklace

- he exhales as he pushes his hand further up to your cheek, so high that his arm no longer touches the spikes, bending his arms more, pulling them away from you

- you grin innocently and lean against him

- He releases a hand from your cheek, caresses your waist, he leans to your ear and whispers. "I can't wait to rip that chain off your neck." As he says this he is careful not to get too close to your neck, you blush

- Mick spreads light kisses from your cheek to your lips, in between he pulls away. "I love when you blush."

Corey:

- when you get ready you listen to metal songs

- Corey, who is usually in the room right next to you, hears the music come on

- he waits a moment for you to put on your clothes, you already sing along with the music

- after a short time he comes rushing into your room, all excited

- he loves to sing with you (roar with you)

- often the whole situation drags out from just dressing up, a kind of duet emerges

- despite everything you try to pick out suitable jewelry for your look

- singing Corey points at bracelets, necklaces and belts, suggests them to you

- now and then you take it and hold it to your body, sometimes you take it, sometimes you put it back in its place

- eventually you've done it and you're all dressed up

- you want to turn off the music but Corey holds you back. "One more song. Please?" He doesn't want the time with you to end

- you nod and together you sing at the top of your lungs, with as much emotion as you can muster

[lopez-richter-fangirl]

I KNOW you’ve been waiting for it (you’ve probably all seen the bootleg anyway, these posts are for me more than anything)

ICBIBALLTAY you are everything to me let’s go

Opening of a Starkid London concert goes so hard. This is the End as the opener is classic Starkid silliness. Grateful to get any kind of richpez duet in the absence of Granger Danger (you were missed) but Joey and Lauren were immediately out for blood holding hands coming down those stairs. She also grabbed his wrist way earlier than she needed to on Sunday. Brian changed the Luna lyric to “that dog of mine” which was not the first Starkid dog shoutout of the show. On Sunday night they were all wearing medals as a bit that they’d run the London marathon that day and it lasted all of one song because then they gave the medals away (I got one from Brian).

Then they went into ICBIBALLTAY which is SUCH a fun (and catchy) song I’m genuinely so obsessed with it, Clark never misses. It’s also really special that they wrote an exclusive song just for this show!! This song started off the “we’re auditioning to stay in the UK” theme for the show which, you know. If you don’t think about how dark it is was a very funny thing to. After Lauren’s line “if only one of us can stay, that’s okay” on Saturday Joey was like ‘wait seriously are you for real’ and she said “NOT NOW” and threw a hand up, which hit his mic into his face by accident (she apologised at the end it’s really cute). On Sunday night she said “don’t worry about it” and he said “okay sounds good” which really tickled me because it’s so them (Joey doing whatever she says). This comes back later!! Phoebe came out to correct them when they said “God save the Queen” they’re comedy icons.

Brian spoke a little about why they could possibly want to stay in the UK which went into The American Way. Brian making “in America we do what’s right” a question was very good. Changing the line for Lauren to sing “one of us is Mexican” was iconic.

Corey intro’d Land of the Dicks saying this is also a song about America. Truly incredible that we got two full MAMD songs in the year of our lord 2025.

Jeff came on talking about the audition thing again, someone shouted out Lauren as who should stay (real) and he said “okay Lauren, you’re up again”. Then he said he should stay because he’d had it hardest and sang Orphaned at 33.

Next transition was saying “this is another song about an orphan” and Bryce came out (with Lauren Joey and Jeff in the background ready for backup vocals) and gave a little speech before her song (and got so much love AS SHE SHOULD) and I’m so glad they gave her her moment. She talked about how long she’s been a Starkid fan and how much it means to her like it does to all of us. She got emotional, Lauren got emotional, I cried both nights. She told us to stop cheering on Sunday because she was getting emotional again. She also on Sunday specifically said she’d been a fan for half her life and that they hate that fact and Joey like waved his hand as if to say no but Lauren pulled a face lmao. Bryce started with Ever After and I cried. Medley’d (that’s a word now) into Last Forever and I cried. It would have been cute to have all girlies for that but still, Lauren’s harmonies had me ascending, and the song is so special to me. Bryce is a fucking powerhouse with a stunning voice and I’m SO happy she was here for this concert. And same with NPMD last year, it’s really fun and special that we got to be the first to hear some of those songs live in concert.

AJ takes piano from Clark and Joey comes onstage. And then the thing happens that still feels like it never should have existed outside of a 2012 era fanfic. Starting with Saturday: Joey starts talking about what Lauren said earlier in the show about only one of them staying and says “that’s my wife”. I die because he called her his wife. AJ starts singing, gets to the “it looks as though your dick has run a little way from you” and Joey says “I’m talking about my wife”. I die again because he called her his wife again. Through all of this you can see Lauren heart eyes Lopez watching in the wings as the ultimate proud wife. And he held up his hand with his ring on the “it’s time to give her the ring” line and AJ was like “you gotta renew your vows Joey”. On Sunday he didn’t even start with Lauren’s name, he went “I can’t shake the feeling my wife would leave me”. Honestly thinking about it now knowing there are fans still learning that they’re married it would be REALLY funny if there were people who found out because of this. But I died because he called her his wife. Anyway someone shouted “I’ll marry you” and Joey was like “that helps with the citizenship thing it doesn’t help with this thing” and pointed at his heart then said “yet. TBD” and we obviously know they have the most secure relationship of all time but I still love that they can joke about it. He also was like “I’ve been with this person 13 years” and looked right offstage at her. This time AJ sang “your wife” instead of “your dick” and like. I know I talked about this so much already. But I will never get over it. Joey Richter singing Listen to Your Heart ABOUT Lauren fucking Lopez. After singing it on Apocalyptour when she was almost/newly his girlfriend. Insane. Absolutely insane. When AJ sang “she can’t get away” Joey pointed into the wings and said “she’s right over there”. Oh also Saturday night Joey mouthed the “you’re beyond compare part” and AJ was like “he knows the words” but then Sunday he was the one hanging Joey out to dry because he left Joey to sing it and Joey obviously didn’t lmao.

Jaime came out and talked about TGWDLM:R and on Saturday night sang “it is time to donate to the kickstarter” which obviously became much less pressing by Sunday so she went back to it’s time to die lmao. She and Jeff had perfect unhinged energy.

You don’t even know the excitement that went through my body when Meredith started introducing the next song from their retelling of a classic British Christmas novel. FINALLY. 3 Spirits wasn’t one of the songs I was hoping for but Meredith sounds SO good on that song and it was exciting to have Bryce be part of it and hear her fucking operatic notes. AND WE FINALLY GOT VHS IN LONDON. One step closer to the full show.

I lowkey did want a full solo for Status Quo but it’s fine “where are my boys I need my boys” was really funny and it was so special finally getting to hear Joey sing it. He accidentally skipped ahead in the lyrics in the first chorus on Sunday it was cute.

Happy Ending is a great Act 1 closer, with Jaime Princess and AJ Jafar of course, and Jeff was absolutely vibing.

We Are People Now was such a surprise but obviously STUNNING, we love the amount of Firebringer love. And it was the most perfect V formation you’ve ever seen.

We Got Work to Do being one of two songs repeated from last year makes sense (should have done Together again though). Lauren’s flirty hair tuck while Meredith was singing on Saturday #lauredith forever. When they walked off Sunday Meredith was like “me to stay?” and Lauren got offended.

Then we had the surprise song. Saturday being If I Believed where AJ almost immediately sang the wrong lyrics and started over. But then we did get it again Sunday night (in place of The Way I Do which we think is because Brian said his voice wasn’t feeling great) and AJ was like “I’m being told it’s me now”. Beautiful moment.

Then Lauren comes out like “if you liked that song you’re gonna love this one” and was like “maybe you didn’t know you were voting for it because the titles were vague but you did” as if people weren’t voting for it BECAUSE they thought it was Boy Toy. I know she kinda sang it one of the shows on Darren’s tour but a full Boy Toy performance with Meredith backing vocals in the year of our lord 2025 is insane. I’m glad we haven’t lost “this is a song about believing in yourself”. The cheer went on for like a full minute and a half and they kept bowing and Lauren did the fake crying thing until Joey came on and said “I’m an ally but we should keep the show going”, like someone who hates to see girls winning. Joey who by the way was LOVING it in the wings. You know it pains him to cut off any appreciation for his wife but he also knew we’d keep going all night.

Joey Lauren and Jeff did a bit talking about who was in the running and that Bryce was sounding TOO good to lead into Cursed Crazy. Lauren and Joey were sitting on the stairs together for the first part and they were sitting TOO close. He was rubbing her back on Sunday. Saturday Jeff forgot the lyrics big time (he wrote the song) so Bryce made a joke at the end that it wasn’t going to be Jeff staying and Lauren laughed and said “shots fired”. Joey also did a little “sorry Bryce you sound great”.

Then we got Axe Man which does go so hard in concert and Corey and Bryce are a power duo.

Then Speedrun, there was a song Jeff got off time a bit and Lauren was smiling trying to make sure she came in on time and I think it was this one. Joey walked off doing a bit Lauren hates (air guitar) it’s a love language.

Clark introduced Long Ago and Far Away as “a song everybody can relate to it’s when you’re on the death star”, he’s an underrated comedian. But the song was SUCH a beautiful arrangement with Meredith and AJ harmonies, I love Clark getting to have a moment again and how both times (this and I Was last year) it’s been a pin drop moment. And the fan project with the lights was so beautiful too!

Saturday exclusive The Way I Do which Brian introduced as “from the Starkid married couples”. I feel like they saw people asking for a breredith richpez version of this song and went ‘you know what would be really funny’. I didn’t actually think there was any way Lauren was going to sing it but it was still really mean to have Jaime take her place, although Joey being like “uhhhh” for the rest of the song was really funny. But even them walking onstage holding hands in front of this huge crowd after being talked about as a married couple was enough to kill me. It is a shame we didn’t get it Sunday but maybe the universe was protecting me. Second dog shout out was Jaime changing the lyric to “this short little time with Diane”. They walked off and Joey was like “we need to figure this out backstage” and Jaime said “I am technically married “.

We got a lyric change in Gilderoy to make the joke about MHE instead of Glee which is a joke that does get funnier the more successful Darren gets lmao. Love my girlies in this song. They also used it as the song to introduce the band and Lauren’s shimmying was very cute.

The absolute iconic “I am Dan Reynolds” in Hatchet Town, and we love to see some OG LL choreo worked in. Lauren got accused the most because she obviously had Donna but also took Karen and (girl) Jeri.

Fucking love love Make the Most of It so much it makes me so happy. Bryce sounded gorgeous and of course Lauren’s voice in any Firebringer song is heavenly. Jaime put a hand over Brian’s eyes and AJ and Bryce were comforting Joey during the proposal so Lauren can’t say she was throwing a fit about Joey and Jaime being married after The Way I Do when she was ready to leave him and marry Meredith. Sunday Joey made a gesture at Brian like “you and me?” I love the four of them so much. The cute moment I mentioned was Joey glancing back at Lauren to get the choreo right and her giving him the most encouraging smile.

After that they went to Phoebe (“Mr President”) in the box to ask if they could stay and got a no so Brian was like there’s only one thing we can do and Bryce was like Brian no we said that song was too sexy. I love the non-Starkid song tradition and I was worried because Wannabe was SO fun and also so special but Father Figure was an INSANE choice, so silly but also it WAS too sexy. Joey thrusting into the air and looking at Lauren to see if she was watching. And then Lauren truly being pretty tame Saturday but Sunday… you’ve all seen it. I’m glad she and Joey weren’t next to each other that’s all I say on that.

Obviously they got a yes to staying after that so they all walked off making little jokes about things they were going to do in London (Joey was trying to do air kisses at Lauren on Sunday and she once again wasn’t looking). Going Back to Hogwarts was the encore naturally. AJ sang Harry’s part and forgot the lyrics on Sunday but it really is the best song for any of them to forget the lyrics to because the audience will just sing louder until they hear us/sing it for them. We got the return of “that would be cool cause being smart is hot”!! Thank you Joey thank you Lauren. I posted the clip of Lauren pointing out the train choreo in the audience it was so cute. And like I know people had talked about a disclaimer for any AVP songs especially with the current situation with Her and the UK legislation but I’m telling you there is no joy like experiencing that song in a room of 2000 people in an environment that is so welcoming, that is ALL Starkid and nothing can take away from that. Lauren really fucked up having them say we’ll see you next year in March but it’s okay because they will be back even if it’s a little more than a year.

And watching them take the shirt pic live is still so insane and insane that the pictures went from just them in a line to doing it in front of that huge audience, my babies have come so far. Them finding out about the KS being funded mid doing that was incredible and I’m glad someone got it on camera because the look on Lauren’s face was priceless.

It was just such a special time once again. Last year there definitely was an element of ‘what the fuck do you mean I’m seeing STARKID at the LONDON PALLADIUM’ but this year was just like, yeah. Of course. They’re stars. But I’m still so proud. And I got to see friends I only made about a year ago but who now are some of my best friends in the entire world (literally…we’re spread across the world). I got to see the very first starkid friend I ever made after seeing her in person for the first and only time at AVPW seven years ago. I got to actually sit next to two other friends after the ticket war last year split us up. I can’t wait to do it all again, genuinely, because you can tell these shows are just as fun and special for them. Also, Phoebe loves them she’ll get them back (I did congratulate her on her Starkid debut on my way out of the M&G and she was very happy about it).

And I put all the show stuff first so you can stop reading before I get too parasocial :)

I was nervous for this M&G because of how many people were going to be there like that is TOO many people to be interacting with at once. And also I was towards the end so I knew they’d have to move pretty fast which definitely is where I start to panic about taking up too much of their time. Like I was chill as FUCK talking to Lauren when she was the one to come up to my friend and I at the TCBOB rehearsal (after an initial internal freak out of ‘WTF WTF Lauren Lopez is walking over here WTF’, of course) and I was also a lot calmer at the Sydney M&G because there were actually way less people so they were chatting with each person for a good few minutes. This M&G I was shaking again during which just takes me right back to the very first time I met them, but I was at least less starstruck and able to get out complete sentences lmao.

Could absolutely tell from the sound of Lauren’s “hiiiiii” that she recognised me immediately and Joey’s “hi Sam!” was so happy. There genuinely was a little part of me worried they were going to be like ‘she needs to relax a bit with coming to all these shows’ so it does mean a lot. And I know I just mentioned this in another post but it is WILD how much they’ve come to know me in the last year and a half and baby Sam meeting them in 2018 could NEVER have imagined this is the relationship she’d have with them one day. Also still can’t believe it was a little less than a year ago that I gave Joey the bracelet that has now gone with him across the world and that I’ve gotten to see him wearing at multiple shows. Like, I would have used more expensive beads if I’d ever imagined he’d wear it this much because the gold hearts are fully tarnishing at this point lmao, but I thought it would end up in a box somewhere at BEST. I wish I could shut up about this but I don’t think I ever will. It’s so so so special to me. And it’s still just as special as it was at Innit to see him wearing it on stage and know he intentionally kept it on except this time I wasn’t gaslighting myself that it couldn’t possibly be my bracelet lmao.

Moving on or I’ll cry, I gave them the keychains I made and then I also gave Lauren the card that had hers inside and I obviously was very overwhelmed in the moment because I had absolutely no recollection until I listened to my audio recording that she did literally squeal “oh my goddd” at me she’s the cutest. And Joey went “look it’s the guy” and pointed out the patreon star man I drew on the envelope. Lauren said “thank you” like 3 times which was actually me in 2018 when that was the only thing I was really able to say to them, how the tables turn /silly.

Joey then had to absolutely embarrass me telling everyone I was just in Australia but it was cute knowing how much it meant to him (because he’s said so :) ). On that note, having seen Jaime’s story if you were or know of an Australian who flew in for the show let me know because it’s definitely not impossible but I do fear something silly might have happened. Joey said “it’s great to see you” as I was leaving and I’m like shut up. My pic was lost for a while I had to email Phoebe to get it and I was getting stressed about whether I’d hate it but it is in fact a tiny bit cute!

Anyway I love them so much and I’m FINE about being back to not knowing when I’ll see them again after a few weeks feeling that way in November only for this show to get announced. But they will be back I know it

[yourmommygay]

Here are some ideas I have for some imagines just let me know which one I should right......

Colby brock:

1. You are nate's little sister and you find out nate fucked your best friend so you fuck colby to get back at nate but end up confessing your feelings for colby. (Smut and fluff)

2. You are a fan who is also a medium and you get invited to an investigation and get really close to colby, to protect him from something. (Teeth rotting fluff)

3. You are their new neighbour and colby offers to help you settle in and mark your territory, ifykyk. (Smut)

4. You have been best friends with Sam for a while and you meet colby cause Sam set you and colby up on a blind date. (Fluff can end in smut but it's up to you)

5. You help colby get over a break up and after a while he confesses to liking you, you are scared your gonna be a rebound but give it a go anyway best decision ever. (Fluff)

6. You work at a haunted place and your the tour guide who has to remain with Sam and colby the whole time. (Fluff)

7. You are jakes adoption sister who just so happens to be dragged into the prank wars so you team up with colby against jake and Corey. (Fluff)

8. Doing the kissing your best friend trend with colby but it turns into more. (smut)

9. You and colby have a deal where if your at a bar and someone is making one of you uncomfortable the other pretends to be your bf or gf to help you get out the situation. (Fluff but could have implied smut towards the end)

10. You comfort colby when he and Sam get home from a quite bad investigation that leaves colby with a lot of anxiety. (Fluff)

Samuel golbach:

1. You help him pick out an outfit for a date. (Fluff)

2. He gives you advice when your going through a hard time. (Fluff)

3. A very drunk and giggly night of sex, leading to confessions when your sober. (Smut with fluff at the end)

4. Doing a tiktok prank where you tell him you want a baby but the prank back fires and he plays along cause he knows your pranking him but it still gives you a fun night. (Fluff but then smut or implied smut)

5. Helping him through the anxiety and frustrations about editing and posting on time. (Fluff could be smut)

6. After he and colby argue and don't talk for a few days you get them to talk after pursuing them both. (Fluff)

7. You are colby and gages little sister and Sam takes a liking to you, while you confess to your brother that you like his best friend you have no idea Sam is also listening. Leading to a relationship. (Fluff could also be implied smut)

8. Helping Sam, who will be your bf already. Play cupid for colby and another girl. (Fluff)

9. Helping Sam release some frustration. (Smut)

10. Tiktok prank of calling him daddy then leaving the room but it back fires and things escalate quickly. (Smut)

Eddie munson:

1. You are the only person he can think about while he's on the run, so he goes to you for help and you help him. (Fluff)

2. You are dustins older sister who goes to pick him up from hellfire club and you and Eddie get steamy on Eddie's throne. (Smut)

3. You help the group save Eddie and bring him back from the upside down after finding out Eddie is alive. (Fluff)

4. You are a fan of corroded coffin and go to every concert in hopes to get to meet Eddie. (Fluf)

5. You are a new girl at school who everyone expects to become a cheerleader and date a jock when really your a nerd and you date Eddie munson and become the dungeon princess. (Fluff)

[thebugthatruinsyourpicnic]

Starkid concert that is ONLY forgotten songs, but the audience isn't initially aware of it

The opening number is Ready To Go (because it's one of the more popular songs of a very underrated musical) and afterwards everyone leaves the stage except Joey and Lauren

Obviously the crowd goes wild, about 25% of the crowd is secretly hoping for Priceless but everyone is still very excited because they know what's about to happen

Except they don't

They sing Peanuts. Peanuts the Hatchetfield Pocket Squirrel he climbs up and then he climbs down etc etc

Jaime's solo? Not alone? Harry? No. The Hatchetfield Ape-Man.

At least half of the Ani soundtrack is in the show and all of it should have similar choreo to Back On Top at Innit, but this time everyone's involved instead of just Meredith and Brian

Except Haunted By The Kiss, they do the original choreo bc it's amazing

Corey gets 2 solos, Pays To Be An Animal and Big T's Temptation (PTBAA should be first so people expect Our Doors Are Open for the second one)

Dysentery World is in it

Joey's big solo is Life, followed immediately by Life (reprise)

The Act 1 final is Hideous Creatures

They do exactly one less/unforgotten song in the show and it's Virginity Rocks

[bulletproofthroat]

my childhoodgame soulworker but i let my retardedness take over

i was listening to iowa concerts while i was on the game and i cant tell if my frontal lobes built differently but coreys words are so predictable like new abortion he always goes oh you dont have a life n shi then he starts dropping drama like i aint gonna lie i lowkey js listen to the concerts for the beef he has its rah funny

[inland--empire]

Um… for the writing thing, maybe… 20?

Ok you gotta guess the song ok

Zircon sat with Gim, showing him a simple scale.

"See, one, two, three, four..."

Gim tried to copy, his fingers a bit more clumsy than Zircon's. Xey didn't mind though, xey just watching him stumble his way through it.

"You got it!"

Gim grinned, trying again.

-

A world away, Zircon was doing the same exact riff. Sylvan stepped back into the change room.

"We're on in five."

Zircon smiled at him, looking at his outfit. He shone like a disco ball, or a star in the sky...

"Got it! Corey, you ready too?"

Corey looked up from putting the finishing touches on her makeup.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah! One sec..."

She finished up, grabbing her guitar and doing a few positions, flexing her hand so she wouldn't have to deal with any strains.

"All good."

Zircon stood up. Xey looked at xir two bandmates...no, that sounded two impersonal. Xir two travelling companions, xir two compatriots, xir two...glowing bits of light to guide xir in this crazy universe.

"Let's go!"

The three moved onto stage. The concert hall was packed, full of people ready to hear their songs. Zircon felt like xey were glowing in excitement as xey leaned into the mic.

"Hello everyone! We're so lucky to have you all tonight! We hope to rock your world, and maybe get you to rock yours!"

Xey stepped back a bit.

"Now, this first song goes out to someone very special..."

-

Years ago, Zircon taught xir cousin to play guitar. After their last lesson, he leaned on their shoulder.

"Zircon?"

"Yes, Gim?"

"When you start to travel again, will you remember me?"

"Course I will! Why wouldn't I?"

"I'm so boring though!"

Zircon laughed, ruffling his fluffy hair.

"You're not boring. I don't think anyone is boring."

-

"...He'll know who he is."

[thebasedgamer]

Here Comes the Pain: Slipknot's Tour Dates Unleashed

Celebrating 25 Years of Mayhem, Slipknot Returns with a Haunting North American Tour Featuring Knocked Loose, Orbit Culture, and Vended In the shadowed recesses of the heavy metal world, Slipknot has conjured a tour potent with the ominous allure of their early chaos and self-titled album—marking the 25th anniversary of their eponymous debut with the "Here Comes the Pain" North American tour. This grim celebration weaves together the threads of their legacy, set to haunt arenas from the crypts of New York City's Madison Square Garden to the spectral halls of Los Angeles' Inuit Dome and Austin's Moody Center. Accompanying Slipknot on this macabre journey are the harbingers of hardcore, Knocked Loose, alongside the dark metallurgists of Orbit Culture and Vended—a band born from the lineage of Slipknot's own Corey Taylor and Shawn "Clown" Crahan. This assembly not only promises an auditory assault but a lineage of terror that extends the band's ominous legacy. As the Nine prepare to unleash a year of celebrations that meld U.S. festival apparitions with a European and U.K. pilgrimage, the soul of Slipknot's creation looms large. Guitarist Jim Root reflects on the genesis of their sound with a somber reverence, "We poured our spirit into the first record, not knowing if it would echo beyond the void. Yet here we stand, a testament to the night, selling out not just records but the very halls of the living." Shawn "Clown" Crahan, the band’s percussionist and unyielding visionary, casts a darker pall on their success. "Each stage I ascend, it’s not the numbers that bind us but the maggot culture, thriving in the decay we spread. This anniversary may find us in grander sepulchers, but the intimacy of the crypt will be felt. Prepare to have your essence shattered—we are the disease, and you are already within our grasp." For those enthralled by the prospect of witnessing this spectacle, artist presale tickets have emerged from the shadows today at 12 p.m. ET, available through Knotfest.com. The public will have their chance to seize these tickets on Friday, May 3rd at 10 a.m. local time. Embrace the dark, for Slipknot’s tour promises not just concerts but a profound ritual celebrating a quarter century of sonic malevolence. Prepare for an experience that goes beyond music—it's an invocation of the band’s darkest arts. Slipknot 2024 tour dates: - May 12: Daytona Beach, FL - Welcome to Rockville - May 19: Columbus, OH - Sonic Temple Festival - Aug 06: Noblesville, IN - Ruoff Music Center * - Aug 07: Burgettstown, PA - The Pavilion at Star Lake * - Aug 09: Baltimore, MD - CFG Bank Arena * - Aug 10: Camden, NJ - Freedom Mortgage Pavilion * - Aug 12: New York, NY - Madison Square Garden * - Aug 14: Gilford, NH - BankNH Pavilion * - Aug 15: Mansfield, MA - Xfinity Center * - Aug 17: Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena * - Sep 01: Pryor, OK - ROCKLAHOMA - Sep 07: Auburn, WA - White River Amphitheatre ** - Sep 08: Ridgefield, WA - RV Inn Styles Resorts Amphitheater ** - Sep 09: Louisville, KY - Louder Than Life - Sep 11: Nampa, ID - Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater ** - Sep 13: Inglewood, CA - Intuit Dome ** - Sep 15: Phoenix, AZ - Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre ** - Sep 17: Austin, TX - Moody Center ** - Sep 18: Dallas, TX - Dos Equis Pavilion ** - Sep 21: Des Moines, IA - Knotfest Iowa at Waterworks Park ** - Oct 11: Sacramento, CA - Aftershock Festival - Oct 19: São Paulo, BR - Knotfest Brasil  - Nov 08: Guadalajara, MX - Calle 2 - Nov 09: Mexico City, MX - Parque Bicentenario - Dec 05: Amsterdam, NL - Ziggo Dome - Dec 06: Dortmund, DE - Westfalehallen - Dec 08: Stuttgart, DE - Schleyerhalle - Dec 09: Leipzig, DE - Quarterback Immobilien Arena - Dec 11: Zürich, CH - Hallenstadion - Dec 12: Paris, FR - Accor Arena - Dec 14: Leeds, UK - First Direct Arena - Dec 15: Glasgow, UK - Ovo Hydro - Dec 17: Manchester, UK - Co-op Live - Dec 18: Birmingham, UK - Utilita Arena  - Dec 20: London, UK - The O2 - Dec 21: London, UK - The O2 * w/ Special Guests Knocked Loose and Orbit Culture** w/ Special Guests Knocked Loose and Vended Read the full article

[ghostcultmagazine]

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[coreygoestoconcerts]

R.I.P. Fitzgerald’s Houston

Demolition has begun on Fitzgerald’s, the legendary music venue in Houston, which marks the end of yet another era. Fitz’s weathered many storms over the years; controversial remarks by owner Sarah Fitzgerald just recently, changes in ownership over the years, the pay-to-play years. But through it all it remained one of Houston’s iconic music establishments. Any of us who grew up there since it opened in 1977 (!) definitely have some great memories of nights spent there. Below are some times I’ve covered shows at Fitz’s here on this blog:

10/24/2009: Red November

3/21/2011: Omar Rodriguez-Lopez Group (The Mars Volta secret show)

11/3/2012: Converge

12/21/2012: Pallbearer, Power Trip, and more

8/4/2014: Antemasque

8/23/2015: Screaming Females

And here is a video of my all-time favorite performance I saw at Fitz’s:

[fritz-federleicht]

Dreadlocks/ Corey Taylor x reader

Summary: he has to put his real dreadlocks through the mask, you give him a hand

Notes: I think I read an article somewhere that Corey used to put his dreadlocks through holes on his mask when he first got it. At some point he got annoyed with the whole effort and cut them off. The cut dreads were then attached to the mask. BUT inform yourself about this story to be sure that it's really true. Maybe I only dreamed about it or something. Anyway, this is my inspiration for this one shot

Words: 927

FLUFF

"Baby I need your help." Corey enters the room in his red jumpsuit, holding his white and gray mask in one hand. The concert doesn't start for less than an hour.

When you see the mask in his hand you immediately know what he needs your help for. You nod and beckon him to join you, "Sit with me."

Actually, you thought he was going to sit next to you on the couch, but he drops to the floor in front of you. He slides backwards closer to you and pushes your legs apart so that he can sit between them.

"It bugs me so much." His tone is annoyed. "Every time, I have to get ready an hour before the concert starts. The others just have to put on their masks and they can jump on stage. I mean I love my dreadlocks, but in this case they're just annoying." He drops his head back into your lap.

That's exactly the reason, his dreads. Before every show, Corey goes to the trouble of pulling his dreadlocks through little holes on his mask. Or rather you do. After all, Corey just sits in front of you and waits until you're done with it.

You take two strands of his hair and play with them between your fingers. "Why don't you just sew fabric dreads to the mask?" You suggest.

"But then it won't look scary anymore." He whines.

"Then I guess you'll just have to deal with it, or shave your hair off after all."

Corey says nothing to that but holds out his mask to you. You take it and put it on your lap, so that the face is facing up.

You work in silence. His green brown dreadlocks hang down. You reach for one and open the mask, putting the strand through the matching hole. But only the beginning so that Corey can still move his head. Meanwhile, he seems to be thinking intensely about something.

While you concentrate on getting him ready for the show, the other members trickle in.

They look briefly at you, greet you and then drop onto scattered chairs. You see Corey giving them annoyed looks.

When you finally get each of his dreadlocks poked through the holes you carefully lift up the mask. "Babe you have to pull the mask carefully over your face now."

Corey stretches out his arms and searches for the mask. When he finally finds it, he lifts it over his head with your help.

A strand almost slips out, you can just hold it with your fingers. "Watch out! I don't feel like doing this all over again."

Corey mumbles something you don't understand and pulls the mask completely over his face.

Now you pull out the ends of his dreads completely. "You're ready to perform."

Corey sighs in relief. His head falls back onto your lap. "Finally." He growls. His black-painted eyes look upside down at you.

You place your hands on the cheek of his mask and kiss his lips. "You look beautiful. I mean terrifying."

His lips twist into a smile as he closes his eyes. "Thank you." He says quietly.

You glance at your watch. "The show starts in a few minutes." He sighs and scrambles to his feet.

"See you later." He cups your face and leans in. He pecks your lips.

"Good luck." You say.

Corey is almost out of the room when he suddenly turns around. "I'm cutting them off!" He says firmly and lifts up a dreadlock.

Then he leaves the room, leaving you speechless.

The day after, you ask him to let you cut his hair. He agrees.

"Cut the dreads as close to the roots as possible, please."

"Why?" You ask.

"Without the dreads, my mask is harmless. So I want to attach my real hair." You nod hesitantly. "For the creepy effect." He says.

"I'll do my best." You lift the scissors and take a strand between your fingers. "You ready?"

Corey nods. "Do it honey."

You cut his hair and hold it out to him. He takes it and marvels at it. "It's really long." He says in amazement. Then he carefully places the strand on the table in front of him.

You cut off all his dreads. Quickly there is a small pile on the table in front of Corey.

"That's not creepy at all." You laugh.

Corey grins. "They're finally off. No more miserable long prep before concerts." His voice is filled with pure joy. He stands up and turns around, a broad smile on his lips. "Thank you. Tomorrow I'll attach the dreads to my new mask."

"You're leaving your hair like that today?" You point questioningly to the table.

He nods.

"I hope no one visits and asks if there are any murderers living here."

He laughs at your statement and assures to complete his new mask already today, for your sake.

[honeybeeloxs]

LOVERS

Corey Cunningham x Male Reader

Talk about being tired, I am so tired after writing this, not because it was draining but because it's like 4:13 AM while writing this A/N.

SUMMARY:

SPOILERS FOR HALLOWEEN ENDS

You were his first everything. First boyfriend, First kiss, he could trust you, and the first one who was there for him when Jeremy died underneath his watch.

You were his first everything. First boyfriend, First kiss, he could trust you, and the first one who was there for him when Jeremy died underneath his watch. Corey can admit he’s a little obsessed; Y/N had been there for Corey when his mental health was deteriorating, but he can’t stop looking at your pretty face; how your bangs framed around your face made him obsessed. So, Corey and Michael discussed, well, Corey talked, and Michael huffed and stared. 

“I get off my shift in like 10, gotta close it up for Audrey; wanna do something? Like, I don't know, watch a movie, maybe?” Y/N looked through the diner’s blinds as he blathered to Corey over the phone. “Sorry, babe, but I got to watch over the Junkyard tonight,” Corey told you, and you huffed. “Really? But it’s Halloween. Your parents suck big time,” Y/N scoffs “whatever, what about tomorrow? I don’t have to work tomorrow?” Y/N smiled as Corey agreed to tomorrow, his shoulder holding up the phone as he cleaned off some booths in the corner.

Y/N hangs up the phone, adjusts his apron, and rips the sticky note off the register, “Thanks for closing for me! Sorry about it but family emergency! Don’t forget to lock the door and set the alarm. ~ Thank You, Audrey.” 

Y/N rolled his eyes, threw the note in the trash bin, and muttered to himself; Y/N looked out the door and squinted. Was that a man? Who is that..? WHAT is that..? The figure stood at the glass doors, his mask resembling a scarecrow. He questioned himself, maybe he was going crazy, and Y/N couldn’t take his eyes off him when the masked figure started to walk towards the doors; Y/N fumbled with the keys as he locked the doors just in time. He bolts to the backdoor. Shit, you forgot to close them. No one typically locks the backdoor by an alley; no one goes in it. Y/N bolts to the backdoor, knocking off napkin dispensers and trays neatly piled on the counter. Y/N opened the kitchen doors to see the alley’s brick wall, door wide open. He immediately shut the door and locked it. Breathing hard, Y/N grabs his phone and dials the police.

Y/N gets home, changes into a black sweatshirt he stole from Corey, and plops on the brown couch. His eyes grow heavy as he puts on a movie. He ends up passing out 30 minutes into the film. He will pass out before it's over.

Corey pulls up his mask and smiles with his face coated in blood as he watches you snore softly; he finds it cute as you snore in his sweatshirt. Michael tilts his head at you as he watches Corey brush your bangs out of your face. Not wanting to wake you up from your deep slumber, he carefully picks you up and brings you to the sewers with them. 

Corey watches you wake up from the hard concert, and he loves the confusion on your face as you call out for help. Muttering to himself, Y/N grabs out his cell phone and turns on the flashlight.

“Shit,” Y/N says as he steps on the cold concrete, he searches for an exit with his flashlight shining on the walls and sees the masked figure he saw earlier. The scarecrow attacker pulls up his mask and reveals himself to be Corey, “C-Can I go home?” you stutter out; Corey flashes you a smirk. “No, I love you too much and can’t let you go. He walks up to you, puts his curly hair on your neck, and continues whispering to you. Y/N sees Michael and screams; he runs to the supposed tunnel of the sewer that leads to the outside world; Y/N gets yanked away by Corey and thrown around and lands into Michael, who bear hugs him. Corey comes up behind Y/N, and the crimson metallic scent fills your nose as he hugs you from behind.

[heyeva]

small things slipknot do to you to show they appreciate you

✦:˒ corey:

- sings you to sleep whenever you have nightmares;

- writes countless songs about you;

- teaches you how to sing;

- loves taking photos of you. he will literally have his camera in his hands as soon as he sees you and then click click.

- honestly your personal hype man.

✦:˒ joey-

- always has his arms wrapped around you... like always.

- super affectionate towards you. if you're feeling sad, joey will be there with his arms wide open ready for you to crawl into his embrace.

- always reassures you that you are doing well and tells you not to be so hard on yourself.

- gives you his hoodies for you to wear because by the time he gets them back it will have your scent and he loves it <3

- his hand always has to be intertwined in yours. there's no chance, no escape.

✦:˒ chris-

- sends you messages saying he appreciates you at the most random times, but he always makes you smile because of it.

- basically drags you to play sports with him.

- bullies you so much if you loose.

- but it's so fun because he is always such a goofy guy when he is around you, all he wants is to see you happy and smiling.

✦:˒ mick-

- doesn't usually talk much, but always listen to what you have to say.

- tries to give you advice whenever you're not clear about which decisions to take.

- is literally always keeping an eye out for your safety.

- if someone messes with you, you just give mick the glare. he will take care of things from there on and they won't bother you ever again.

✦:˒ jim-

- laughs so loud right into your ears just to annoy you.

- has so many photos with you and of you... like, it isn't even normal at this point?

- literally begs you to let him teach you how to play guitar so he can spend more time with you.

- if you do allow him, he will annoy the hell out of you so good luck.

✦:˒ sid-

- pranks you all the time.

- annoys you all the time too, but you genuinely love the guy so you can't get mad at him.

- often screams your name in concerts and then runs away or jumps into the crowd.

- nobody really understands sid but you. he often talks to you about what goes on his head and life.

- you're one of the very little people he trusts.

✦:˒ shawn-

- shawn would straight up kill anyone that bothered you and not feel any kind of regret.

- is like a dad to you.

- makes sure you eat and sleep properly, and most of all, that you're happy.

- asks you 1000 times a day how you're feeling just because he likes to check up on you.

- is so proud of you. <3

✦:˒ craig-

- literally doesn't talk to you unless he really has to.

- but you know you can count on him if you need something.

- like, he would be one of the first people to come to you and offer you any type of help you needed.

- just like mick, always keeps an eye out for you.

✦:˒ paul-

- takes you to so many food and cinema dates.

- literally a bear, you live to hug this man (don't tell joey, or he might start a fight)

- is literally always there through all of your struggles.

- is your emotional support, and you are his too. it's such a beautiful friendship I can't even describe it.cor

[tr0ubl3d-tr4n53nd3r]

Ride the cyclone theroies part one- opening track

Ok so, Consert order.

oceans speech

Carpe Diem. Ocean mentioned it idk

Canada's national anthem

Uranium *tragic fact version*

(Karnacks speech is Penny's solo. Its U-R-A-N-I-A-M where my heart goes now and then!)

Constance's speech

Fall Faire Comes to town

Ocean tells the audience she expects to see some of them there, and they leave, throwing them into Tragic fact

Waiting for the drop happens for most of the roller coaster, but Karnak says nothing. They also don't have the part where they're talking about everything they loved and stuff.

After ARE WE EVER EVER GOING BACK it transitions into fall faire suite, with Karnack talking and no choir song.

(Uranium Suite doesn't exist to me in this headcannon because it SUCKS

(This part is stupid and I don't like it but i drew fan art of it so)

The police assumed that it derailed at the apex of the loop de loop, but there was two of them.

Jane dropped her doll, and the rollercoaster ran over it, beheading the doll and semi derailing the roller coaster.

Because of ricky's crutches, the cart wasn't closed properly, and at the top of the loop ricky started to fall but penny grabbed his crutch. when they started to fall, penny was beheaded, and the cart hit her head. That caused Noel to fall out.

Everyone else stayed in the coaster, which because of penny's head, was falling from slightly further than the apex.

Constance was the one to convince Ocean to get on, and when they died she felt horrible.

Mischa texted Talia that he was gonna get on a rollercoaster and he'd be back soon

Trischna, Astrid, Hank, and Corey were all planning on getting on the cyclone after the main 6, but um- that never happened.

Also trischna, Astrid, Hank, Corey, and Jane were goofing off while everyone else was getting fortunes, which is why they aren't in the concert when Karnak refers to it in the show.

anyway thats it!

[rigginsstreet]

I'm interested to know if you have any billy x corey hcs

First of all…look at this baby angel. Tell me billy wouldn’t fall at his feet to kiss the ground he walks on… you can’t

I think they’re both deeply possessive of each other. I mean we know in canon Corey’s insane and what lengths he’ll go to to keep someone 😂🤪 but fortunately for him in this case billys just as insane so they don’t have to worry about all that

But Corey’s definitely the more quiet and unassuming of the two. So billy does what he can to get him out of his shell. Takes him to clubs and concerts and watches Corey cut loose after a few too many but they’re having a blast dancing together and yelling and jumping around 🥰 but Corey’s choice of date night is like… dinner. A movie. Cuddling up on the couch. Being cozy. Mind blowing sex. You know how it goes

Speaking of which you know they’re both freaks in the bedroom. Not that it’s an all the time thing cuz I do think Corey is more into the soft lovemaking but they definitely have a stash of whips and chains and blindfolds and various sterile instruments for their blood play and edge plays lmao and maybe terrorizing other people together is a bonding activity…. They’re in love and we shouldn’t judge just because it’s unconventional.

[vivisextion]

I first saw Slipknot at age 14.

No one knows how I managed it. I'm not sure I even remember. These days, you have to be 16 or 18 to get into Standing areas. I do know I had to buy tickets on the phone, back in the old days (2005, that is). A singular ticket, too - none of my friends, not even the classmate who had gone with me to see Linkin Park the year before, was that into Slipknot.

But I HAD to see them. This was the Subliminal Verses tour cycle, and Vol. 3 was my first and favourite Slipknot album, even to this day. It's the reliable old warm blanket for my soul whenever I need it. It's on right now, as I write this.

My memory isn't that good, but luckily I unearthed a livejournal (livejournal!) diary entry about the event I made the next day.

August 16, 2005. I went right after school. I went to a very conservative Anglican secondary school, too. I tried not to get caught in the bathroom, as I coloured my nails black with permanent marker (I know, don't laugh) and changed into my standard metalhead baby outfit - Slipknot band shirt, black cargo shorts, and my pride and joy: steel-toe boots I somehow managed to cajole my parents into letting me own.

I caught the bus to the open-air war memorial park where the gig was going to be. I got there at 4pm, 4 hours early. A couple other maggots were already hanging around. I found myself surrounded by tombstones, and I read them all. It was the middle of the Hungry Ghost Festival, too - a very fitting time for Slipknot to pay a visit to this godforsaken hellhole of a small town I lived in. (Especially given the paranormal circumstances surrounding the making of Vol. 3.)

While I wandered around the venue (no security or sound guys were around at all), I spotted two white vans pull up to the stage, in the middle of a clearing. It was them! I spotted Joey and missed him by a hair's breadth. I was quickly ushered behind the stone archway entrance by security then.

(Funnily enough, while walking around, I got mistaken for Joey more than once. I am the same height as him, had the same long black hair, same pale skin, and was wearing almost exactly what he had been. One person claimed from behind, I was a dead ringer, apart from when I turned around, and they realised I was Chinese.)

It was soundcheck time. A sound guy testing the mics would say random things, like "testing one two three two one.... fudge fudge, I like fudge...." The band even did Purity, so us earlybirds were given a rare treat, and we screamed along from the entrance, and drummed our fists on the sides of nearby porta-potties. I hope no one was in there at the time. Whenever we got a glance of any of them, we'd scream and cheer. Finally they left again, but were soon to return.

This was the first time I'd been a part of the metal community. I was barely allowed internet in those days. But here, random strangers were friendly, striking up conversations like they'd been friends for years. Two big guys, called Trevor and Ted, looked out for me the entire gig after, keeping other big dudes from crushing me too much (I'm 5'3, remember). Other people commented on me being so baby, because I was only 14, and said they would take care of me.

When we were finally let in, right after the usher cut the rope, I ran in, screamed "WOOOHOOO!" along with a few friends I'd made. I only briefly stopped to receive this RoadRunner Records compilation CD from a roadie, then resumed running like a madman screaming and dashing into the VIP cage.

I was right up against the barricade - the first time I would ever be at a gig. People from assorted magazines and press took photos of us, and I think I got my photo taken about 10 times at least.

(This is how I got in trouble with my parents the next day. My photo had ended up in a local paper - you can see examples of that here. They had no idea what I'd been to see the night before, and were horrified when they saw what Slipknot looked like.)

We saw Sid filming us from the stage with a camcorder and screamed at him. We saw Jim and screamed at him too, and he flashed the victory sign back at us. I remember Metallica playing at the time, another one of my favourite bands.

The concert was a brutal religious experience I will never forget. People with their arms outstretched, crying and screaming out loud, moving like the devil possessed them.

The new friends around me made sure I was alright after every song! There were huge guys fainting behind us who had to get carried out, but I endured, a tiny 14 year old child. We got a family speech as per tradition, of course. "Are you guys out there all looking out for each other? We're all one big family, and we gotta look out for each other." What Corey said held true - strangers hugged, shook hands, talked, and made friends. I was heartened by how close-knit the maggot community was. It really did feel like a family, and it's felt like that ever since.

Of course, I did my first Jump The Fuck Up. It is possibly the most euphoria I've ever experienced all at one go. (Later, in 2020, I was extremely disappointed that I didn't get to do it again in London.)

They did the death masks for Vermilion, and I remember Chris helping Sid fix his mask and shirt when they'd changed back. Sid hung out near Clown's drums for most of the time too, and hugged him from behind and just latched on at one point. It was pretty adorable.

Fun fact: The version of Eyeless you hear on the 9.0 Live album is from Singapore, as is Eeyore. There are very few photos and videos from the crowd of this gig, because in 2005, very few people had camera phones. The crowd at the Slipknot gig in 2020 was a sea of arms with phones, filming the gig rather than experiencing it. Yes, I'm going to be that cranky old geezer who complains about the good old days.

Joey as usual, was fucking amazing and never failed. However, due to the fact that I was right up front, only his tiny head was visible behind his vast drum set, I couldn't see him the entire gig.

Amazingly, the government told Slipknot they were not allowed to do obscene gestures, curse, vomit (possibly due to the decomposing crow pre-show ritual), simulate humping on objects, throw faeces, or jump off stage (looking at you, Sid). I don't think our totalitarian government knew who they were dealing with, because watch what happens next.

Near the end of the gig, Corey tells the crowd “your government has given us a laundry list of things we aren’t allowed to do, your government has told us we are not allowed to swear”. Crowd goes “BOOOOOOOOO” and Corey goes “BUT WE DON’T GIVE A FUCK!!” And they launch into Surfacing, the last song. Everyone riots. Best night of my life.

You can find the setlist from that gig here. It had everything I wanted and more.

This story later got immortalised when Kerrang asked maggots for gig stories, for an article which came out in 2020. I had forgotten entirely, until people began messaging me to tell me, and one friend sent me a scan of it!

On the way out, I managed to get a shirt. I remember calling my best friend at the time, and got everyone at the merch booth to go "IF YOU'RE 555 THEN I'M 666" for her. This shirt has since been lost to the landfill, because my Christian mother took it upon herself to dispose of it the first opportunity she got. Needless to say, our relationship is not very good.

After that, I even managed to get that Roadrunner compilation album they were giving out signed. The band was staying at the Carlton. Unfortunately, Joey wasn't there, neither was Clown, and Mick was swarmed by guitar nerds so, 6/9 it is. It is a great regret of mine that I'll never have anything signed by him, nor will I ever get to see him perform ever again.

The next day, I went to school, my head swimming. Yes, I went to see Slipknot ON A SCHOOL NIGHT. I was a giant bruise, from my ribs and my chest, to my hips and knees, from being slammed into the barricade like a screen door in a hurricane. Most of all, my sore, headbanged-out neck could barely hold my head up. Classmates thought I had been in a fight. I was torn between battle-scarred exhaustion and hyperactive ranting about the most amazing gig of my short life (it still is, to this day). When teachers spoke to me, I wanted to reply, "Fuck trigonometry! I've just seen SLIPKNOT. Do you not understand that my world is different? Do you not understand that *I* am now different?"

My country was a small, conservative town that Slipknot had graced with their unholy presence. Corey Taylor once said that where he grew up in Iowa had a way of making a 16 year old boy feel like a 36 year old man (or something to that effect). I felt that in my weary bones as a teenager, being from a place just like that. Years later, Watain would run into worse trouble, and wouldn't even be allowed to perform. The Christian stranglehold is stronger than ever. It was a good thing that back then Slipknot had the element of surprise, striking serpent-fast and choking this society by the neck for a too-brief time, before they departed.

After that, my desire to play the drums only grew like a weed. Joey Jordison had, has, and will always inspire me as a drummer, and seeing the beast live (or what little I could spy behind the massive riser) had only spurred me on. I had always been a noisemaker, be it driving my parents mad with chopsticks on pots and pans, or driving my teachers mad with pencils on my desk. But of course, my parents wouldn't have any of it. I'd have to wait a good 14 more years before I'd be able to afford lessons and later, a kit of my own. Better late than never, right?

There will never be enough words to describe the impact Joey has had on my life. And it isn't just Slipknot, either. I could write another essay on his time with the Murderdolls and its influence on my own gender-non-conforming ways. Suffice to say, my wardrobe doesn't look too dissimilar to his during the early Dead in Hollywood days.

I told my boss I could not come into work today. I was grieving. I said that my music teacher died, as I didn't think she'd understand the magnitude of my loss. In a way, it's true. And I am not the only one Joey has nudged on the path to being a musician, that much is certain. To the rest of us, I wish strength and love for you in this difficult time. The best way to honour Joey, who truly loved music, both the creation and appreciation of it, is to pass that gift on. Teach it to someone. He is the reason I picked up the sticks in the first place, and one day, they'll be handed on, the heavy metal baton for the next generation.

And finally: remember that the ones we have lost are never truly gone.

Vinnie

P.S. See if you can spot me in the crowd photos in this post!