Corey Taylor, the commanding frontman of the multi-platinum heavy metal titans Slipknot, surprised fans with an intimate and eclectic acoustic performance on Sunday, October 18th, at the Fremont Country Club in Las Vegas, Nevada. The two-hour set, a stark departure from his typically high-octane stage presence with Slipknot, showcased a more personal and versatile side of the artist, delving into a curated selection of covers and offering a glimpse into his evolving solo endeavors. The concert, characterized by its uncharacteristic brevity and stripped-down aesthetic, saw Taylor engaging with a captivated audience in a setting far removed from the stadium spectacles he is renowned for.
The evening commenced with an unexpected and whimsical rendition of the iconic theme song from the beloved Nickelodeon animated series, "SpongeBob SquarePants." This unconventional opening choice immediately set a playful and unpredictable tone for the night, signaling that this performance would deviate significantly from the norm. Following this lighthearted overture, Taylor launched into a diverse array of cover songs, drawing from the rich tapestry of classic rock and heavy metal history. The setlist included powerful interpretations of KISS’s anthemic "Dr. Love," Ozzy Osbourne’s blistering "Crazy Train," and Elton John’s rollicking "Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting." Further demonstrating his broad musical palate, Taylor also paid homage to the titans of metal with Judas Priest’s enduring "You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’," the Foo Fighters’ emotionally charged "Everlong," and the classic hard rock staple "Don’t Tell Me You Love Me" by Night Ranger. Fan-filmed footage of the entire concert has since been made available online, uploaded by the Timothy Rusling channel on YouTube, allowing a wider audience to experience this unique performance.
A Resurgence of Solo Acoustic Performances
This Las Vegas engagement marks a significant moment in Corey Taylor’s solo career, particularly his exploration of acoustic performances. While the Fremont Country Club show was a recent highlight, it follows a pattern of renewed interest in more intimate, acoustic settings for the artist. In March 2025, Taylor played what he described as his first acoustic solo show in over three years at the HorrorHound Weekend convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. This appearance at a genre convention underscored his multifaceted appeal, extending beyond the realm of heavy music. Just one month later, he continued this acoustic trajectory with another solo concert at the Spookala horror and pop culture convention, held at the Florida State Fairgrounds – Expo Center in Tampa, Florida. These events suggest a deliberate effort by Taylor to connect with fans on a more personal level, offering a different sonic landscape and a more intimate performance experience compared to his work with Slipknot.
The "CMF2B… Or Not 2B" Project and "CMF2" Album Cycle
The recent acoustic performances and the surprise Las Vegas set are intrinsically linked to Taylor’s ongoing solo output. His solo album of covers and B-sides, derived from the sessions for his sophomore solo album, "CMF2," was officially released digitally in May 2024. Titled "CMF2B… Or Not 2B," this project offered a deeper dive into the creative wellspring that informed his recent solo work. Prior to its digital release, the album saw a limited physical availability on April 20, 2024, coinciding with Record Store Day, as a special release via BMG. This strategy of staggered releases allowed for both widespread digital access and a collectible physical option for dedicated fans.
The "CMF2B… Or Not 2B" material directly complements the release of "CMF2," which served as the centerpiece of Taylor’s extensive touring efforts in the latter half of 2023. Released in September of that year, "CMF2" represented a significant milestone as Taylor’s first album for BMG and the inaugural release under his own independent label imprint, Decibel Cooper Recordings. The production of "CMF2" was helmed by Jay Ruston, a seasoned producer with a distinguished track record working with prominent metal and rock acts such as Anthrax, Steel Panther, and Amon Amarth. Ruston’s prior collaborations with Taylor, including the production of Stone Sour’s 2017 LP "Hydrograd" and Taylor’s debut solo album "CMFT" in 2020, solidified a trusted working relationship.
Genesis of "CMF2" and Solo Band Dynamics
The recording process for "CMF2," the follow-up to the 2020 "CMFT" LP, commenced in early January 2023 at The Hideout Recording Studio in Las Vegas, Nevada. Under Ruston’s guidance, Taylor was joined by his dedicated solo band. This ensemble includes bassist Eliot Lorango, drummer Dustin Robert, and guitarists Christian Martucci and Zach Throne, all of whom contribute significantly to the distinct sound of Taylor’s solo material. The synergy within this band is evident in the polished and cohesive nature of both "CMFT" and "CMF2."
Taylor’s debut solo album, "CMFT," achieved considerable commercial success, featuring the No. 1 Billboard mainstream rock single "Black Eyes Blue." It also included the streaming hit "CMFT Must Be Stopped," a collaboration featuring rappers Tech N9ne and Kid Bookie. The LP itself charted at No. 6 on Billboard’s U.S. Top Rock Albums chart, demonstrating a strong reception for Taylor’s foray into solo work outside of Slipknot.
Navigating Mental Health and Shifting Priorities
In a candid admission that resonated with many, Corey Taylor was compelled to cancel his previously scheduled North American solo tour in January 2024. The reason cited was a struggle with his mental health, a revelation that sparked widespread discussion and support. In a subsequent interview with Alternative Press, Taylor elaborated on the severity of his experience, describing a period where he hit "a real dark point." This challenging period led him to re-evaluate his approach to his career and personal well-being. He articulated a need for significant changes in how he managed his workload, particularly concerning touring. Taylor stated, "I found that my pursuit of work and all things ego was killing me. And nearly killed me. So I’ve reinvested my life to the point [where] I’m only going to work so much. I’ll never be gone from home for more than two and a half weeks. I’m putting importance back on the things I really value. That is the greatest gift I could give myself and my family." This commitment to a more balanced lifestyle has evidently influenced his recent performance choices, favoring more manageable and personally fulfilling engagements.
Slipknot’s Monumental "(Sic)est Stadium Tour" and Recent Band Activity
While Corey Taylor’s solo endeavors offer a distinct artistic avenue, his primary focus remains with the colossal presence of Slipknot. In a significant announcement made in late September, Slipknot revealed plans for their most ambitious undertaking to date: a global stadium tour in 2027, aptly named the "(Sic)est Stadium Tour." This monumental trek is slated to be a worldwide event, with Bring Me The Horizon confirmed as the support act for all North American dates. Produced by Live Nation, the tour is scheduled to commence on July 3rd at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium.
The North American leg is set to kick off on July 16th at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., and will conclude on August 18th at Phoenix’s Chase Field. Following the North American itinerary, the band will embark on a five-show South American leg in September. The supporting lineup for the "(Sic)est Stadium Tour" is equally impressive, with Bring Me The Horizon accompanying every North American date. Additionally, a rotating roster of acclaimed artists will feature across the entire tour, including Lamb of God, Motionless In White, Lorna Shore, Loathe, Acid Bath, Polyphia, Kublai Khan TX, and Vended. The Wembley Stadium show will also feature special guest appearances from Marilyn Manson, Lorna Shore, and Hatebreed, promising an unforgettable opening night.
Slipknot’s most recent live performance occurred in July 2025 at Inkcarceration, a prominent music and tattoo festival held in Ohio. This festival appearance served as a prelude to the extensive global touring plans for the band.
The band’s musical output has also seen recent activity. Last month, Slipknot released a new single titled "Arsenal." This track holds particular significance as it marks the recording debut of drummer Eloy Casagrande, who officially joined the band in early 2024. The release of "Arsenal" also comes in the wake of significant lineup changes within Slipknot, being the first single issued since the departure of longtime turntablist Sid Wilson earlier this summer. This period of transition, coupled with the announcement of the "(Sic)est Stadium Tour," indicates a dynamic phase for Slipknot as they continue to evolve and solidify their legendary status in the heavy music landscape.
