Early this month, Slipknot's Corey Taylor announced the cancellation of the North American solo tour he was due to kick off in February behind his latest release, CMF2, citing "physical and mental health" reasons. Last night (January 24), the musician took to Instagram to post a video in response to fan concern for his wellbeing, as well as reactions to his subsequent announcement of a four-show tour in Asia beginning in late March.
“I decided to make this video in response to a lot of the feedback that came out after I announced that I would be carrying on with my Southeast Asia run," Taylor explained. "Originally, that was supposed to be mentioned in the statement that I released relating to my mental health lapse."
He continued, “I, over the last year, have had a complete and utter breakdown of boundaries, mental health, ego, entitlement — the whole nine yards — culminating in a very, very real, very near relapse that… I kind of don’t recognize myself. So, again, I wanted to address this and just tell people that I needed time to reset, I needed time to start working on my heart and my mind and get straight."
Taylor went on to clarify that he wasn't cancelling the dates in Japan (March 25, 26, 28) and the Philippines (April 1) because it's such a short stint on the road — "it's literally four shows, it's literally a week" — and he figures it will be a good chance to see how he copes. "I'm working on self-care right now, getting the help that I need and surrounding myself with family."
He added, “It’s a long road and I don’t know what’s at the end of it, but I look forward to it. I have gratitude for it, and I hope you can show me some patience,” the singer-songwriter said, thanking fans for their support.
Watch the video from Taylor below.