Slipknot Frontman Sets Record Straight On 'Killer Clown' Claim

(Metal Hammer) Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor has confirmed he was joking when he said bandmate Shawn 'Clown' Crahan had changed his stage name as a result of the current "killer clown" craze.

The phenomenon began in the US earlier this year, when police forces in several states investigated sightings of people in clown dress behaving suspiciously.

Taylor told BBC2 topical comedy show No Such Thing As The News: "The effects have been such that even our dear Clown has downgraded himself to 'Mime' in order to distance himself from these hedonistic doppelgangers until the coast is clear." He added: "Remember, a real clown doesn't need a knife to intimidate - just a bat and a good cold stare."

But after some news outlets reported his comment as being serious, Taylor has published a denial via Twitter, saying: "Guys, no, Clown did not change his name. That was a fake statement that I wrote for humour's sake." Read more here.

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