How Did the Collaboration Come About?
Australian psychedelic rock band King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard surprised fans at a recent concert in Queens, New York, by inviting former Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg on stage. The unexpected collaboration took place during their 2025 tour stop, where Weinberg joined the group for a special performance. The event highlighted cross-genre connections within the rock and metal scenes, drawing attention from fans of both bands.
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What Does This Mean for Weinberg’s Musical Future?
Details about how the invitation was extended remain limited, but both Weinberg and King Gizzard have expressed mutual respect for each other’s work in past interviews. Weinberg has previously cited diverse musical influences beyond metal, including jazz and experimental rock, which may align with King Gizzard’s eclectic style. The band is known for frequently inviting guest musicians during tours, often selecting artists who share their innovative approach to rhythm and structure. This appearance fits within that tradition of spontaneous, collaborative live moments.
While Jay Weinberg has not announced plans to join any new band permanently, his guest appearances suggest an openness to exploring different musical avenues. Fans speculate whether this could lead to further collaborations or even a shift toward more experimental projects. King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, meanwhile, continue their prolific output, having released multiple albums in recent years and maintaining a rigorous touring schedule. The Queens performance may inspire similar cross-genre pairings in future shows, reinforcing the fluid boundaries between rock subgenres.
Was Jay Weinberg a full member of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard? No, Jay Weinberg appeared only as a guest drummer during a single song at the Queens concert and is not an official member of the band.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Jay Weinberg performed with other bands outside Slipknot? Yes, Weinberg has occasionally played with other artists and projects, including guest spots with various rock and metal acts, reflecting his interest in diverse musical styles.
Will King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard tour again in 2026? As of now, the band has not announced specific tour dates for 2026, but they typically maintain an active performance schedule following album releases.

