Corey Taylor, frontman of the popular metal band Slipknot, recently made headlines when he canceled his solo North American concerts to focus on improving his mental wellbeing. In a heartfelt video shared on Instagram, the talented musician opened up about his struggles with mental health and the challenges he faced in maintaining his sobriety.
Taylor revealed that he had experienced a 'breakdown' and was on the verge of relapsing after years of sobriety. He candidly admitted that he had faced issues with boundaries, mental health, ego, and entitlement, which ultimately led him to a point where he barely recognized himself. Recognizing the need for intervention, he made the difficult decision to cancel his scheduled concerts and take time for self-care.
Acknowledging the disappointment of his fans, Taylor expressed his gratitude to those concerned about his well-being and hoped to address any questions or concerns. He emphasized the importance of seeking help and surrounding himself with his loved ones, acknowledging that he needed time to reset and focus on his heart and mind.
Despite the cancellation of his North American tour, Taylor announced several upcoming shows in Southeast Asia. He explained that these concerts were intended as a testing ground to assess how well he was doing and to take things one day at a time. The singer emphasized that he was determined to prioritize his self-care and was actively seeking the help he needed.
In his closing remarks, Taylor shared his gratitude for the journey he was embarking on and asked for patience from his fans. He acknowledged that the road to recovery would be long and uncertain, but he was determined to take the necessary steps for his well-being.
This is not the first time Taylor has been open about his mental health struggles. In his earlier social media announcement regarding the tour cancellation, he mentioned the deterioration of his mental and physical health, explaining that he had reached a point that was unhealthy for both himself and his family. It was this realization that prompted him to take a step back and prioritize his personal well-being.
The upcoming Southeast Asian concerts are scheduled for March and April and include performances in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, as well as Manila, Philippines. While fans may have mixed emotions about these shows, it is important to respect Taylor's decision and support him on his road to recovery.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. Text 'STRENGTH' to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor. For assistance with substance abuse, the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP is available to provide support and guidance.
