Murderdolls are back from the grave. To mark 25 years since their debut album Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls, the horror punk outfit have reunited, and their first confirmed appearances will be Download Festival and Graspop Metal Meeting in June 2027.
Original members Wednesday 13, Eric Griffin and Acey Slade will be joined by Wednesday 13’s solo bandmates Mike Dupke and Jack Tankersley. Tankersley already knows the material well, having played in the band’s previous touring lineup. Together they’ll pay tribute to Joey Jordison and Ben Graves, the bandmates Murderdolls lost, and the shows have the blessing of Joey’s sisters, Katie Riekena and Annie Jordison.
Formed in 2002, Murderdolls were the brainchild of Jordison and Wednesday 13. Jordison stepped out from behind the Slipknot kit to play lead guitar. At a time when baggy jeans and backwards caps ruled, their glammed up, horror soaked punk rock was a welcome jolt. Beyond The Valley Of The Murderdolls and its follow up Women And Children Last have kept a devoted cult following ever since.
“25 years ago my life changed forever with the Murderdolls debut album,” says Wednesday 13. “With the sudden loss of Joey and Ben, this 25th anniversary feels like the right time to pay tribute to them and the Murderdolls brand.”
Acey Slade adds: “No time in my life was more meaningful than the album campaign for Beyond the Valley of the Murderdolls. No time in my life felt more empty than when we lost Joey and Ben. Welcome to the strange!”
For Eric Griffin, the return to Donington means a lot: “Playing the mighty Download was one of the most exciting days of my life. I have so much gratitude and excitement to return to that stage.”
Katie Riekena also shared a lovely memory of her brother. She says Download seemed to be Joey’s favourite festival, and remembers how happy he was to sit in for Lars Ulrich when he played there with Metallica in 2004. “Annie and I are glad to see Murderdolls honoring Joey and Ben, back on that stage again,” she says.
Fans can also support The Joey Jordison Charitable Fund, set up in the drummer’s memory.
