Corey Taylor Gives Mental Health Update, Says He Was Close to Relapsing

Corey Taylor offered fans a frank update on his mental health after canceling his North American tour earlier this month.

Taylor shared a video via social media where he's speaking direct-to-camera and ran down what exactly he's been going through. He begins by saying he wanted to address recent feedback about why he's still going to perform shows in Southeast Asia. Taylor says the cancelation of the shows in Asia was supposed to be part of his statement on Jan. 5.

"The truth of the matter is I understand why so many of you are upset, and I'm just going to break it down for you," says Taylor. "I, over the last year, have had a complete and utter breakdown of boundaries, mental health, ego, entitlement -- the whole nine yards culminating in a very, very real, very near relapse. I kinda don't recognize myself."

He goes on to explain that the reason he's going to move forward with his Southeast Asia dates is because it's only four shows. Taylor notes he's going to see how he handles those four shows, indicating it will help gauge how he moves forward with mental health treatment.

Taylor closes by thanking fans for their concern and asks for patience while he gets his health in order.

On Jan. 5, Taylor issued a statement via social media announcing the cancelation of his North American tour. He said, in part, "For the past several months my mental and physical health have been breaking down, and I reached a place that was unhealthy for my family and I. I know this decision will come as a shock to some and may be regarded as unpopular by others – but after taking a hard look at where I am and where I was going, I need to pull myself back and be home with my family for the time being."

We send our sincere well wishes to Taylor during this time and applaud him for seeking the help he needs.

Corey Taylor is one of the most prominent figures in rock today and for good reason: He always has something interesting to say, and it seems like that trait isn't something that's waning with age.

One of the funniest things Taylor said in 2023 was his rant against a certain Beatles song. That song? The 1967 stand-alone single "All You Need Is Love." In fact, his hatred led to him writing "All I Want Is Hate" for his second solo album CMF2.

In an August appearance on the Zach Sang Show, Taylor said, "'All You Need Is Love' is one of the biggest pieces of sh-t that I've ever heard in my life. And every time I hear it, I feel like I'm getting shot at."

Taylor's forthcomingness is truly part of his charm and what makes him so appealing. This year marks his 50th birthday. While some might shy away from the subject of such a milestone birthday, Taylor doesn't. Speaking with WRIF's Meltdown back in May, Taylor said about turning 50, "I think about it constantly. I think about it when I get up out of bed. I think about it when I step on stage, and I break my back. I'm like, 'What am I doing?!'"

He continued, referencing his solo shows, "But, then I have to remember: I'm a mental person, so this is all I want to do. Obviously, it's a different kind of set I used to do when I was younger, when I was a kid. At the same time, I still love to play. I still love performing, and I love to get out there and try to do it as hard as I can. Until I break my neck again, I think I'll just keep going."

Obviously, Taylor is no stranger to the interview pull quote. After all, he is also an accomplished author. In honor of Taylor's birthday today (December 8), here are five quotes from his books everyone should live by.