Slipknot, the masked metal giants from Iowa, were no strangers to controversy and wild antics in the early 2000s. Whether it was on stage or at award shows, they made their presence felt in unforgettable ways. From chaotic acceptance speeches to full-blown brawls, the band ensured that their appearances at major music events were anything but ordinary.

A Band That Refused to Play by the Rules

In the early 2000s, Slipknot was at the peak of their aggressive, rebellious image. Their self-titled debut album (1999) and follow-up Iowa (2001) had cemented them as one of the most intense and unpredictable bands in the industry. When they attended award shows, they didn’t clean up their act—they embraced the chaos.

One of the most infamous moments came at the 2000 Kerrang! Awards, where Slipknot won the award for Best International Live Act. Instead of a standard thank-you speech, members of the band delivered an unfiltered rant about their struggles in the music industry. Shawn “Clown” Crahan and Corey Taylor, in particular, took turns bashing critics who doubted their success.

Another wild moment occurred at the 2001 Metal Hammer Golden Gods Awards, when Slipknot and members of other bands, including Machine Head, got into a heated argument backstage. Reports at the time suggested that tensions boiled over due to comments made about Slipknot’s use of masks, which some in the metal community saw as a gimmick. The altercation didn’t escalate into full violence, but security had to step in to diffuse the situation.

Slipknot vs. Fred Durst: The Infamous Feud

One of the most talked-about award show moments involving Slipknot was their ongoing beef with Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst. The rivalry peaked at the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards, where Slipknot refused to associate with Durst despite being seated near him. Corey Taylor later called Durst a “wannabe tough guy” in interviews, and the tension continued for years.

The Legacy of Their Award Show Madness

While Slipknot’s early award show appearances were chaotic, they helped establish the band’s identity as the ultimate outsiders in the music industry. Over time, they have matured, but their early 2000s antics remain legendary. For fans, those moments serve as a reminder of a time when Slipknot was a force of pure, unfiltered mayhem.

(WATCH) Relive the madness of Slipknot’s award show moments below!