Drummer Joel Ekman (photo) has officially parted ways with his band Stone Sour, also featuring Slipknot members Corey Taylor and Jim Root. Main reason for Ekman\'s leaving is his nine-year-old son, who was diagnosed with brain stem glioma (brain cancer) and is very sick. Stone Sour write in a statement that the decision was made after intense deliberation:\"This is something that we all discussed and feel is best for the five of us and for the future of Stone Sour. This has been the most intense recording process of our career and the next year of touring will be equally, if not more, intense. Our world tour kicks off June 2nd in Germany and our goal is to play as many cities and countries as possible. (...) We wish the best to Joel and to his family.\"
The remaining members of Stone Sour are currently in discussions with a few drummers. Of course Drummerszone will let you as soon as they have come to a decision.
Stone Sour\'s sophomore album, \"Come What May\", which is being recorded in Los Angeles with producer Nick Rasculinecz (Foo Fighters, Velvet Revolver), features a guest appearance on drums by Roy Mayorga (ex-Soulfly), who is currently touring with Sepultura.
Mayorga was enlisted to lay down the drum tracks after Ekman was forced to sit out the recording sessions for the CD in order to spend time with his nine-year-old son. See also this previous news posting.
