The dissolution of the Brazilian band and the desire to continue playing have something to do with it. The drummer then shared Slipknot’s challenging audition process
by Rolling Stone
Source: Instagram profile @eloycasagrande
«I didn’t want to stop playing the drums at 33». With these words released to See Sao Paolo in Brazil, Eloy Casagrande talked about his transition from Sepultura to Slipknot. Casagrande’s identity as Slipknot’s drummer was revealed on April 30 after the band’s first two dates at Pappy + Harrie’s in California and Sick New World in Las Vegas.
The Brazilian drummer thus explained how his choice to change was due to Sepultura’s decision to disband at the end of their last tour this year: «It was my choice, it was complicated. But the band was about to break up and I didn’t want to stop playing drums at 33.”
Casagrande then took the opportunity to talk about his audition with Slipknot: «They asked me to record myself and send them videos from Brazil. Initially three songs, then three more. Then I spent 5 days in Palm Springs rehearsing with the whole band.” «I stayed in the States for another 5 days so I could record some things. I think he was part of the audition. They would give me ideas to see how I thought about the drum parts. They wanted to test me in every way.” Casagrande also has an idea of the reason: «Slipknot are nine musicians, so there are different spheres and levels and we need everyone’s approval before giving the ok».
Casagrande also talked about the preparation for the first dates with the new band. «I prepared the setlist, I knew everything, but four days before leaving they sent me a list of 32 songs that I should have known. Many of these were not in the setlist and so I started looking for the scores.” And again: «When I arrived in the United States they gave me the set list of the first concert in which there were additional songs that I didn’t know, but we still went on stage to play. I was nervous, it’s really intense having those musicians in front of you. Furthermore, it is a band that I have listened to since I was a teenager and that I have always followed on television.”
Opinions on that first concert: «I was terrible». «But then on the second date there were improvements. Every morning the band decides on a different setlist, so I only have a few hours to learn any songs I don’t know. But in any case everything went smoothly, there is a lot of support.”
