Corey Taylor from Slipknot opens up about his continuing mental health break and near relapse: “I’m focused on what’s best for myself at the moment, acknowledging the challenging path ahead”

Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor released a new video statement on the evening of January 24th, explaining his choice to resume touring. Earlier this month, Taylor had announced the cancellation of his planned North American solo tour scheduled for February/March, citing concerns about his mental and physical well-being.

Despite the cancellation, Taylor has now decided to embark on a tour of Japan and the Philippines starting in late March, sparking backlash and concern due to its proximity to his recently called-off tour.

Addressing his audience via social media, Taylor stated:

“Hey everybody, Corey Taylor here. Where do I even start? 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. Originally that was supposed to be mentioned in the statement that I released relating to my mental health lapse.

The truth of the matter is I understand why so many of you are upset. And I’m just gonna break it down for you. I — over the last year — have had a complete and utter breakdown of boundaries, mental health, ego, entitlement: the whole 9 yards, culminating in a very, very real, very near relapse. I kind of don’t recognize myself.

So 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. The reason I’m keeping the Southeast Asia run: it’s literally four shows. It’s literally a week. I’m gonna see how I do with that and just take it day by day, basically. I’m working on self-care right now. Getting the help that I need. And surrounding myself with my family.

To everyone concerned with me, thank you very much. I appreciate it. To everyone who is upset, I hope this answers your questions. I’m just doing the best for me right now and 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 that you can show me some patience. Thank you.”

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His scheduled dates include:

• 03/25 Tokyo, JPN – Zepp Haneda
• 03/26 Tokyo, JPN – Zepp Haneda
• 03/28 Osaka, JPN – Osaka Bayside
• 04/01 Manila, THA – New Frontier Theater