Shawn 'Clown' Crahan admits that Slipknot are "not that close anymore".
The heavy metal band have been marking 25 years since the release of their debut self-titled album but Crahan acknowledged that the numerous line-up changes since – including the tragic deaths of bassist Paul Gray and drummer Joey Jordison - mean that the rockers are unlikely to recapture the bond they once had.
The 54-year-old musician – a co-founder of Slipknot – told Metal Hammer magazine: "Brother, the band will never be like that again.
"I can't tell you how close we were then: we're not that close anymore. People are gone. Craig (Jones) is out. Chris (Fehn) is out, Joey's out, Paul's out. The band is different.
"But, back then, there was nine guys that wanted to be in the same place, and we made it work. And we wound up here, and here is wonderful."
Crahan suggested earlier this year that the Slipknot would be going "back to basics" in celebration of the anniversary.
He told NME: "In 25 years of writing seven albums, we've allowed ourselves to do anything and everything we want. We do what we want, as much as we want, when we want, how we want.
"I'm ready to move on from what has been, and move onto a world that I know needs to be. For instance, normally we'd have about two years on and one-and-a-half years off – we're not doing that anymore."
The percussionist added: "We're going back to basics. I'm ready to kick everybody in the face again! I'm ready to do a 100-person venue again! I'm ready to do a 500-person venue.
"We want to play in front of 500 people, but there are a lot of factors that will mean it can't happen. We're at the point where we've got to ensure safety."
