Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Machine Gun Kelly mocks Slipknot during concert

Both acts performed at Riot Fest over the weekend

Sam Moore
Tuesday 21 September 2021 06:40 BST
Comments
Machine Gun Kelly Reveals Why He Has Megan Fox's Blood

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Machine Gun Kelly’s attempt to mock Slipknot backfired after he drew the ire of the music community.

The rapper and singer, real name Colson Baker, paused to attack the metal legends during his performance at Riot Fest on Sunday night (19 September).

He told his fans: “You wanna know what I’m really happy that I’m not doing? Being 50 years old wearing a f*****g weird mask on a f*****g stage.”

His dig was clearly aimed at Slipknot, who are famous for their jumpsuits and horror-inspired masks worn both in their music videos and onstage. The band were performing on another stage around the same time.

Later in the set, Baker said: “Turn the lights up. Let me see who chose to be here instead of with all the old weird dudes with masks.”

His remarks were possibly a response to Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor’s comments last week, which could be interpreted as a criticism of Kelly and other singers credited with sparking an emo pop/pop-punk rap revival.

“The [young artists] that really frustrate me are the ones that they take something that’s been around forever and then just basically rework it and call it new — even though it’s completely derivative,” Taylor said.

On social media, Baker was widely mocked for his attempt to go after Slipknot.

“This ain’t the road you wanna travel brother,” fellow metal band Code Orange tweeted.

“MKG calling Slipknot ‘weird’ is the definition of audacity lol,” one fan tweeted.

It’s not the first time Kelly has courted controversy with another artist after his feud with Eminem in 2018. Kelly made comments regarding the “Lose Yourself” rapper’s daughter and accused Eminem of having him blacklisted from his radio station.

In response Eminem released the diss track “Kill Shot” and said he “did not give a f**k” about Kelly.

Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up
Amazon Music logo

Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music

Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)

Sign up

Kelly has also generated headlines for his relationship with actor, Megan Fox, who he met whilst working on the movie, Midnight in the Switchgrass in March 2020. Fox also starred in his music video for “Drunk Face”.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in