Paul Gray (American musician) facts for kids

Paul Dedrick Gray (born April 8, 1972 – died May 24, 2010) was an American musician. He was best known as the bassist and a co-founder of the heavy metal band Slipknot. In the band, he was known as #2 or The Pig.

Early Life and Music Career

Paul Dedrick Gray was born in Los Angeles, California. His family later moved to Des Moines, Iowa. Paul first played guitar, but he switched to bass after moving to Iowa. When he was younger, Paul played in several bands. These included Vexx, Body Pit, and The Have Nots.

Paul was one of the original members of Slipknot. He was also one of only two members not born in Iowa. The other was Jim Root. In 2010, Slipknot released a DVD of their 2009 concert. They did this to remember Paul.

Paul Gray playing with Slipknot in 2005

Besides Slipknot, Paul also played bass for other groups. He toured with Unida in 2003. He also played on an album called Worse Than a Fairy Tale by the band Drop Dead, Gorgeous. Paul also worked on the Roadrunner United project. He played bass on two songs for their album.

An award was created in Paul's honor. It is called "Paul Gray: Best Bassist of the Year". Slipknot gave this award to Nikki Sixx from the bands Mötley Crüe and Sixx A.M..

Paul Gray's Death

On May 24, 2010, Paul Gray was found dead in a hotel room in Urbandale, Iowa. He was 38 years old.

Aftermath and Tributes

The day after Paul's death, his bandmates held a press conference. They spoke without their masks. The band, along with Paul's brother Tony and wife Brenna, shared their feelings.

He was kind of the person in the band that really wanted everybody in the band to always get along and just concentrate on the band. He was a really great friend and just a great person. He's going to be sadly missed, and the world is going to be a different place without him.

The only way I can sum up Paul Gray – is "love". Everything he did, he did for everyone around him. Whether he knew you or not. And that's what he's left behind for us – his absolute love. I will miss him with every fiber of my heart. As will everybody at this table; and everyone who knew him. He was the best of us.

A private funeral was held on May 28, 2010. Paul was buried in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery in Des Moines, Iowa.

On July 30, Paul received a special award. It was the Kerrang! "Services to Metal" award. His bandmate Corey Taylor accepted it for him. The band Korn also dedicated a song to Paul during one of their concerts.

Slipknot's former guitarist, Donnie Steele, played bass for Paul on their 2011 summer tour. During these shows, Paul's jumpsuit and mask were placed on a stand. A bass guitar stood next to them as a tribute. Fans also honored Paul with a two-minute silence at a festival.

Corey Taylor got a tattoo of Paul and his number on his leg. This was shown on the TV show NY Ink.

Personal Life

Paul Gray and his wife Brenna Gray had a daughter named October Dedrick Gray. She was born on August 17, 2010, a few months after Paul passed away.

Music Albums

Paul Gray played on many albums throughout his career.

With Slipknot

• Slipknot (1999)
• Iowa (2001)
• Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004)
• All Hope Is Gone (2008)

Other Music Projects

Paul also appeared on other music projects.

• The All-Star Sessions (Roadrunner United) (2005)
• Worse Than a Fairy Tale (Drop Dead, Gorgeous) (2007)
• Last Stop: Crappy Town (Reggie and the Full Effect) (2008)

Film Appearances

• 2002: Rollerball

See also

In Spanish: Paul Gray para niños