Former SLIPKNOT Drummer JOEY JORDISON To Launch VIMIC World Tour In December

SLIPKNOT co-founding member and key songwriter Joey Jordison has unveiled plans for his long-awaited return in the form of a new musical venture, VIMIC. The band consists of Jordison on drums, singer Kalen Chase Musmecci, who has toured with KORN as a backing vocalist and percussionist, and Joey's former SCAR THE MARTYR bandmates Jed Simon (guitar),Kyle Konkiel (bass) and Matthew Tarach (keyboards). VIMIC has signed a management deal with Nashville powerhouse CTK Management, where Jordison will reunite with former member of SLIPKNOT's original management team Danny Nozell, and will be represented by United Talent Agency's Neil Warnock internationally and Tim Borror in North America. Additionally, the band is readying the release of a new album for 2017, which will be released on Jordison's joint venture record label, with the first video and single to be released in December.

"It's an honor to be back working with one of the world's best drummers and songwriters," said Nozell. "Joey is a metal icon. I look forward to Joey touring globally and reconnecting with his fan base, helping share his new music and talents with the world again."

"I am very excited to be back in business with Joey," said Warnock, head of music worldwide at UTA. "I have fond memories of working with him during his time with SLIPKNOT, and am looking forward to making him a global success with VIMIC."

Often referred to as one the best drummers in the world by fans, musicians and media thanks to his unique style, sound and lightning fast technicality, Joey Jordison has, in addition to co-founding SLIPKNOT, worked with some of the biggest selling acts in hard rock and heavy metal, including METALLICA, KORN, ROB ZOMBIE, MARILYN MANSON and many more. Before his departure from SLIPKNOT in late 2013, Jordison had been quietly struggling with the career-threatening neurological condition acute transverse myelitis, an inflammation of the spinal cord which damages nerve fibers, which ultimately led to Jordison losing the use of his legs. Never one to quit or back down from a fight, Joey overcame the impossible through months and months of rehabilitation, regaining the strength to walk again. He is feeling stronger than ever and is eager to show the world what is possible.

Said Jordison: "The band members have just arrived to my home in Des Moines, and the energy and vibe is absolutely magnetic. We are ready to bring back our music, showcase our new live shows to the masses, and show our appreciation to the fans who got us here and supported us in the first place. That's what matters, the fans!!! It's been a struggle, but we've overcome it and are ready to unleash. Thank you to all who have believed in us, have patiently waited, and continue to stand by our side. We'll see you soon! Get ready."

Jordison and VIMIC's first priority is getting in front of the fans, who have been sending letters, approaching Joey on the street and posting on social media asking when they will be able to see the iconic drummer live. Starting December 26 in Jordison's hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, the band kicks off a world tour. After the short U.S. run, VIMIC will embark on a European run that will kick off at the end of February through the month of March and into April with dates in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Paris, Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, Zurich, Tilburg, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Olso and more. VIMIC will also tour Asia, South America, and Australia in 2017.

VIMIC first confirmed tour dates:

Dec. 26 - Des Moines, IA @ Wooly's
Dec. 27 - Janesville, WI @ The Back Bar
Dec. 28 - Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge

SLIPKNOT announced in December 2013 that it had parted ways with Jordison. SLIPKNOT singer Corey Taylor told Metal Hammer that firing Jordison after 18 years was "one of the hardest decisions" the group ever made, adding that Jordison is "in a place in his life" which is "not where we are."

Taylor said he could not get into specifics for legal reasons, but admitted, "It's when a relationship hits that T-section and one person's going one way and you're going the other. And try as you might to either get them to go your way or try and go their way, at some point you've got to go in the direction that works for you. This is me speaking in the broadest terms, with respect to Joey. I guess to sum it up, it was one of the hardest decisions we ever made."

Taylor said that the band is "happy right now and we hope that he is . . . he's just in a place in his life, right now, that's not where we are."

The singer would not answer whether drug use played a role in Jordison's dismissal, and confessed that he had not been in touch with his former bandmate. Taylor said, "I haven't talked to Joey in a while, to be honest. That's how different we are. It's not because I don't love him and I don't miss him. And it is painful; we talk about him all the time, but at the same time, do we miss him or do we miss the old him? That's what it really comes down to."

SLIPKNOT's new drummer is Jay Weinberg, son of longtime Bruce Springsteen drummer Max Weinberg.