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Since Slipknot’s announcement that they would be playing a series of summer shows in the wake of the death of bassist Paul Gray, there has been much fan speculation as to whom Gray’s replacement could be.

Now, the band has revealed by their official website that former Slipknot guitarist Donnie Steel will be filling in on bass duties for the upcoming gigs. The band’s statement is as follows:

"For their upcoming shows in 2011, Slipknot has asked Donnie Steele to fill in for Paul Gray on bass.

"Donnie, as some may recall, was the original guitar player in Slipknot and had actually reconnected with Paul in recent years... Donnie was in the band at the very beginning, and rather than get an outsider, we thought it would be a fitting tribute to Paul to play with someone from within the family. Donnie was great friends with Paul and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate his memory than with someone who was there with us at the very beginning. The eight of us are looking forward to being onstage again and honouring Paul’s legacy with our families in Europe and Brazil this summer."

As RockAAA reports, Steele played guitar on Slipknot’s Mate. Feed. Kill. Repeat, but left the band in 1996. He played in Body Pit with other Slipknot members including Paul Gray and death metal outfit Killpact.

Speculation abounds as to Slipknot’s future after the summer shows. While Joey Jordisonalluded to the band continuing beyond the gigs in a recent Kerrang interview, front man Corey Taylor has stated that he doesn’t see a new Slipknot record happening in the foreseeable future.

- Ultimate-Guitar 

Wow! It appears that there’s more to this rumour than meets the eye! Get the full story inside.

It’s been speculated for the past few months but the clearest indication yet that Slipkot and Stone Sour vocalist Corey Taylor could become the new vocalist for Velvet Revolver has arrived.

When Billboard.com asked him directly whether or not he was the ‘known’ singer that had been working with Velvet Revolver recently, Corey’s answer was to say “to be continued!” with a loud laugh.

- Metal Hammer 

Slipknot will regroup and play live in Europe next year, the band have confirmed.

They’ll headline the travelling Sonisphere festival, which includes a stop at the UK’s legendary Knebworth Park on July 8-10.

The summer season will be Slipknot’s first engagements since losing bassist Paul Gray, who died in May after an accidental overdose of prescription drugs.

A band statement says: “We’re looking forward to spending our summer in Europe. This tour is about us and our fans. It’s about celebrating the life of our brother, Paul and his legacy. The door is neither open nor closed – the tour is about burning down that door. See you this summer.”

The band’s long-term future has still not been revealed, with frontman Corey Taylor saying he has no plans to record new material, while drummer Joey Jordison insists a new album is already under production.

More Sonisphere acts will be revealed on Monday.

Thanks for the report to RockAAA.com. 

The body of Slipknot's Paul Gray was found near a hypodermic needle and a bottle of pills, according to the hotel employee who found him. 

The bassist, who died in Des Moines, Iowa on Monday (May 24), was staying at the TownePlace Suiteswhen maintenance worker Mike Kellow found him. 

According to the 911 audio footage which TMZ obtained, Kellow tells the operator he suspects Gray died of a "drug overdose" and that there was a hypodermic needle and a bottle of pills in the room.

As previously reported, authorities reported that 'no signs of foul play or significant trauma' were found during the autopsy, with the cause of death expected to be revealed when toxicology results are returned in the next four to six weeks.

- NME

Slipknot's Paul Gray has died at the age of 38.

The bassist was found dead in his hotel room in Des Moins, Iowa, earlier today (May 24).

According to TMZ, Police have found no evidence of foul play at the scene, but there will be an investigation into his death.

Gray, who was one of the original members of Slipknot when they formed in 1995, was expecting his first child with his wife Brenna.

An autopsy is reported to be scheduled for tomorrow (May 25).

- NME