What can I say about the masked men from Iowa—better known as Slipknot—that hasn’t already been said over their 25-year career? When it comes to heavy metal gigs, I have a soft spot for bands that bring drama and theatre to the stage, and Slipknot has it all: masks, scary clowns, pyros—the whole shebang. They’re the kind of band that sits firmly on most photographers’ bucket lists. I was fortunate enough to photograph them twice when they headlined Download Festival, and I recently attended their London O2 Arena show on assignment for Metal Hammer.

The night was every bit as intense and thrilling as I expected, and I got the shots I came for. Yet, alongside the excitement, I felt a deep sadness. Whenever I think of Slipknot, I also think of Michelle Kerr—they are inseparable in my mind. Michelle was a PR powerhouse who had been looking after Slipknot from the very beginning. It’s thanks to her support and trust that I had the opportunity to photograph Slipknot so many times, including full-show access on both Download appearances.

Michelle passed away in September 2024, just a few months before this gig, and that night served as a poignant reminder that I won’t see her again. RIP Michelle—you are deeply missed.