How I found out is, I landed in Des Moines from a plane ride back from the Rob Zombie tour. I was, like, 'Okay, cool, I'm home. I can finally get some rest.' Once I landed, I turned my phone on, and my manager rang, and I'm, like, 'Oh, what?' He said, 'Paul Gray just died.'

In this quote, Joey Jordison recounts the moment he learned of the death of his friend and fellow musician, Paul Gray. Jordison describes returning to Des Moines after a Rob Zombie tour, anticipating a moment of rest and relaxation. He had just landed from his flight and was looking forward to unwinding when he turned on his phone, only to receive the devastating news from his manager.

Jordison’s reaction—"Oh, what?"—captures his shock and disbelief upon hearing that Paul Gray, bassist for the band Slipknot, had passed away. This moment represents a mixture of confusion, grief, and the unexpected nature of tragic news. The way Jordison describes it, the death of Gray was not something he anticipated, and it serves as a reminder of how sudden and life-altering such news can be, especially when it involves someone close to you.

The quote also highlights the intense and emotional moment of learning about a friend's death, compounded by the fact that Jordison was on a tour and likely dealing with the fatigue and stress that comes with being constantly on the road. Jordison’s story reveals the vulnerability and emotional weight musicians often carry, even when they seem far removed from personal tragedies while traveling and performing.

Ultimately, Jordison’s words offer a glimpse into the emotional toll of losing a close friend and bandmate, showing how unexpected events can deeply affect someone, even during the busiest and most physically demanding times of their lives. His recollection of that moment emphasizes the grief and shock that often accompany sudden loss, making the news of Paul Gray's passing even more jarring.