Corey Taylor Discusses Mental Health 'Breakdown', 'Very Near Relapse' In Candid Video

Corey Taylor has taken to Instagram with a candid video addressing fans’ concerns about his mental health and newly announced tour dates.

In the video, he discussed a “breakdown”. Taylor explained why he’s going ahead with a short tour in Japan and the Philippines despite cancelling his North American tour earlier this month, citing needing time away for his mental health.

Yesterday, the Slipknot and Stone Sour vocalist and solo artist confirmed tour dates in Japan and the Philippines for March and April 2024. Considering the recent cancellation of another tour, fans were understandably confused about different dates going ahead, leaving comments on social media that Taylor felt he had to address.

“The truth of the matter is, I understand why so many of you are upset,” a visibly emotional Taylor said in the video. “I’m just going to break it down for you. I, over the last year, have had a complete and utter breakdown of boundaries, mental health, ego, entitlement, the whole nine yards culminating in a very, very real, very near relapse.”

He added that he “kinda didn’t recognise myself” and the time away from the road was necessary to “reset”.

The Through Glass singer continued, “I need time to start working on my heart and mind and get straight. The reason I’m keeping the Southeast Asia run is, it’s literally four shows, it’s literally a week. I’m gonna see how I do with that and take it day by day, basically.”

Taylor informed fans that he’s “working on self-care right now”, “getting the help [he] needs”, and surrounding himself with family. “To everyone concerned with me, thank you very much; I appreciate it,” he said. “To anyone who’s upset, I hope this answers your questions.”

He ended the video by noting that he’s “doing the best for me right now”. Acknowledging that getting help is “a long road” and that he doesn’t know what’s at the end of it, “I look forward to it, I have gratitude for it, and I hope you can show me some patience.”

You can watch the video below.

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A post shared by Corey Taylor (@coreytaylor)

While Taylor has been open about his mental health for years, the singer purged himself of his demons with the singles from his latest album, CMF2, particularly Talk Sick and Post Traumatic Blues.

On the latter track, Taylor explained in a press release that “Post Traumatic Blues is my attempt to describe for people what it’s like to deal with PTSD.

“Sometimes, it’s so hard for people to understand the ups and downs, the severity of the cold and numbness, that I wanted to try and build a bridge lyrically between the ones living with the disease and the ones who are trying to help them.”

Taylor recently appeared at Good Things Festival and played sideshows in Melbourne and Sydney, where he notably performed a cover of Don’t Change by INXS.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or other mental-related illness, we implore you to get in contact with Beyondblue or Lifeline:

Beyondblue: 1300 224 636

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Suicide Call-Back Service: 1300 659 467

Beyondblue and Lifeline both also offer online chat/counsel. Check their respective websites for operational hours and details.