For many people growing up in the 00s, Joey Jordison was synonymous with Slipknot and synonymous with being one of the best drummers around due to his insane style of playing on one of the biggest drum kits ever and performing crazy stunts during Slipknot’s live shows.

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So it was pretty shocking that when the band announced they were recording a new album towards the end of 2013 and that Joey Jordison would not be a part of that process. The band cited personal reasons for his departure, whereas Joey released a statement claiming that he had been full on fired by the band.

There has never been any reason given by either side as to what actually went down between them, but obviously there were pretty strong whisperings that it was due to the fact that he had a drug problem. It turns out that couldn’t be further from the truth, as upon picking up a Metal Hammer Golden God (Lifetime Achievement Award) on Monday Joey revealed the true reason he and Slipknot parted ways.

Towards the end of my career in Slipknot, I got really really sick with a horrible disease called transverse myelitis, I lost my legs.

I couldn’t play anymore. It was a form of multiple sclerosis, which I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

I got myself back, and I got myself in the gym and I got myself back in therapy, to fucking beat this shit. And, if I could do it, you could it. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life, more than fucking anything.

To people with multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, or anything like that, I am living proof that you can fucking beat that shit. And, fucking metal and all of these fans will do it for you.

Thank you so fucking much. [holding back tears as the crowd cheers] To my lady, Amanda! You can beat this shit, no joke. Just the fact that metal lives in your heart, you can accomplish anything.

Man. I did not expect that. I don’t really get why nobody said that was why he had to leave rather than just saying ‘personal reasons’ or saying he got ‘fired’. I suppose he didn’t want anybody to know about his condition, but surely that’s not worth everyone thinking that you’re such a drug fiend that you got kicked out of your band? Well I suppose for Joey Jordison it was. In any case, congratulations to him on a great career and managing to beat transverse myelitis. I’m not sure if it means we’ll be able to see him drum again, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed for that too.

For more Slipknot, check out these awful vocal covers of the band that people have uploaded to YouTube.