Slipknot mask designer Screaming Mad George dies at 69

Screaming Mad George, the special effects artist who designed some of Slipknot's most recognizable face masks, has died at 69. The band's mask designer passed away February 10, though his family only announced the death recently. "We understand that learning of this loss so long after his passing may come as a profound shock," the family wrote in a social media post, explaining they had kept the news private "to allow our family the necessary time and space to process the shock, heal, and hold space in complete privacy."

Born Joji Tani in Osaka, Japan in 1956, George taught himself special effects makeup while playing in his own punk band, The Mad, before landing a mentorship under fellow effects artist Rick Baker, known for An American Werewolf in London. His film credits include the 1989 horror satire Society, along with A Nightmare on Elm Street 4: Dream Master and Children of the Corn III: Urban Harvest.

Metal fans mostly know George's work through Slipknot, where he designed masks across the band's Iowa, Volume 3: (The Subliminal Verses) and All Hope Is Gone eras, some of the most visually distinct chapters of the band's history. Frontman Corey Taylor once called him "a maniac" and "an amazing artist" in a 2019 interview.

The family's announcement remembered George as someone whose talent went beyond his film and metal work. "As an artist, Screaming Mad George possessed a singular vision and an extraordinary imagination, creating worlds unlike any others," the statement read, describing him as "cheerful, approachable, warm-hearted, and deeply compassionate" despite his larger-than-life artistic reputation.

George is survived by his wife, Miki, and daughter, Alice. His death comes during an eventful stretch for Slipknot, which has also worked through a lineup shakeup in recent weeks: MusicSuey covered the band confirming Sid Wilson's exit after earlier reporting on Wilson calling himself a Slipknot member while co-hosting a DJ event.