A number of tributes have been issued to the late Paul Gray, the bassplayer for Slipknot, who was found dead last Monday (May 24th). Here are tributes from Bill Ward, Wednesday 13, In Flames and Roadrunner Records:Black Sabbath's Bill Ward: My wife and I would like to send our heartfelt condolences to Paul Gray's family and friends. Our condolences also extend to each member of Slipknot. We wish everyone who knew Paul love, tolerance and eventual peace of mind. Paul played in an incredible band. He was an incredible bass player. His death is another big loss for metal music, but his spirit and his love will forever ascend and teach. Thanks for the music, Paul.
Murderdolls' Wednesday 13: I write this with great sadness, that such a great human being has left us. Paul Gray, was not a close friend of mine, but we were friends. In fact he is one of the first people I met in this crazy f***ed up business, but I will say that he treated me like he knew me his whole life. One of the most genuine people you could ever ask to meet.
I remember once back years ago, I hadn't seen him in a year or more, no phone calls, text and outta the blue he texted me.... 'Hey you wanna come hang out and go to the Grammy's with me, we got nominated and I wanted to hang with ya.' That's the kinda guy I will remember Paul Gray as, just an all around, good person.
To my brother Joey, and all my friends within the Slipknot Family, my thoughts are with you all."
In Flames: When we found out about Paul's death we were shocked. We had the privilege of getting to know him as early as 2000 and he was always a stand up guy. He will be missed dearly! Our thoughts go out to Paul's family, friends and fellow band members. Rest in Peace Paul.
Roadrunner Records extends our deepest condolences to the band mates, family, friends and fans of Slipknot bassist Paul Gray, who tragically passed away on May 24. Paul was a well-loved and respected member of the Roadrunner family. While the hard rock community endures a massive loss with his passing, Paul's musical legacy will endure. Paul will be forever remembered for the intense energy he put forth on stage and the passion that he committed on record. He will be sorely missed. To remember Paul Gray is to look back on all that Slipknot have accomplished, for as Clown stated in Tuesday's live press conference, "Paul Gray was the essence of the band." Join us as we listen to Slipknot in Paul's honor, and through our shock and sadness of this difficult time, remember the passionate musician and sweet, fun-loving man who greeted everyone with a smile."
Amy Sciarretto, Roadrunner Director of Publicity: "Every time I ever saw Paul Gray, he always seemed to be smiling or laughing about something. He did a lot of interviews for me when I was doing radio for them and he also did a bulk of them for me when I became their publicist. I remember the Ozzfest date in August 2004 in the Pittsburgh market. I went out to cover dozens of interviews for Slipknot headlining the side stage and I remember bringing a parade of interviews, one-by-one, into this air-conditioned trailer set up behind the stage, and he knocked out every single one with a smile and consummate professionalism. He did everything that was asked of him and with a smile, making a very stressful day of interviews a smooth, seamless one. That doesn't happen very often, but it did that day, and I always remember him being gracious. His memory will live in my heart forever. I send all my love and support to my friends in Slipknot as they go, this is a loss that guts you from the inside out."
