Inside Story

In the late 1990s, the nu-metal scene witnessed a notable rivalry between two masked bands: Slipknot from Des Moines, Iowa, and Mushroomhead from Cleveland, Ohio. Both groups donned distinctive masks and jumpsuits, leading to comparisons and tensions among fans and media.

Mushroomhead, formed in 1993, had established a local following with their theatrical performances. In 1999, Slipknot released their self-titled debut album, rapidly gaining national attention. This swift rise led to accusations from Mushroomhead’s supporters that Slipknot had appropriated their image. The rivalry intensified during a 1999 Slipknot performance in Cleveland, where audience members, allegedly Mushroomhead fans, threw objects at the band, resulting in onstage confrontations. Reflecting on the incident, Slipknot’s Corey Taylor recalled, “People came down and threw everything but rocks at us.”

Over the years, both bands addressed the feud. Mushroomhead’s drummer, Steve “Skinny” Felton, later reflected, “A bit of it over time has been inflated.”

Similarly, Taylor expressed a desire to move past the rivalry, suggesting potential collaborations. By 2010, following the passing of Slipknot’s bassist Paul Gray, Mushroomhead extended condolences, signaling a de-escalation of hostilities.

Today, the feud is largely viewed as a product of fan and media exaggeration, with both bands acknowledging their mutual respect and the role each played in shaping the masked metal genre.

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