Slipknot’s manager has downplayed the role of percussionist Chris Fehn, stating that the rocker was nothing more than a hired gun in the band.

For over a month now, fans of Slipknot have been watching as an intriguing legal battle unfolds before their eyes.

On March 13th, Chris Fehn officially filed a lawsuit claiming that funds had been withheld from him by his bandmates.

While Fehn was under the impression that everyone received equal payment for their roles within the band, he reportedly discovered that some of his bandmates had set up other business entities that also collect money from the group’s activities.

As a result, Chris Fehn asked for an audit to be undertaken on the band’s finances, and for the “damages and profits” he claims he is owed.

While frontman Corey Taylor since denied the claims made by Fehn, Slipknot issued a since-deleted statement on their website, noting that Fehn was officially out of the band.

“Slipknot’s focus is on making album #6, and our upcoming shows around the world, our best ever,” the band explained. “Chris knows why he is no longer a part of Slipknot.”

“We are disappointed that he chose to point fingers and manufacture claims, rather than doing what was necessary to continue to be a part of Slipknot.”

“We would have preferred he not take the path that he has, but evolution in all things is a necessary part of this life,” they concluded. “Long Live The Knot.”

Since then, Chris Fehn’s lawyer has argued that the musician is technically still a member of Slipknot, while noting he would play with his bandmates again if the opportunity arose.

Check out Rock Feed’s look into recent Slipknot court documents:

However, new court documents obtained by Rock Feed have seen Slipknot’s business manager downplay Chris Fehn’s role as that of a hired gun.

According to documents filed in a New York court on April 22nd, business manager Rob Shore broke down the description of Fehn’s role within Slipknot.

“Mr. Fehn performed with Slipknot and received a fee for doing so,” he explained. “He is not a shareholder, owner or member of any business entity he names as a defendant in this action.”

Due to his position as a hired musician, Shore notes that Fehn is not entitled to any of the money he claims is owed to him, and that the lawsuit should be dismissed.

“Defendants, Michael Shawn Crahan and Corey Taylor, are founding members of the musical band professionally known as ‘Slipknot’ (the ‘Band’),” the documents explained. “All remaining defendants are entities through which the band’s business is or was conducted.”

“Even a cursory review of the Fehn’s complaint reveals the complete absence of necessary allegations.”

“Among other defects, the complaint alleges no facts concerning the circumstances under which the de facto partnership was created, the nature of each alleged partner’s interest, Fehn’s contribution, the purpose of the partnership or whether Fehn, by entering into this alleged business arrangement, undertook to share losses. The complaint must, therefore, be dismissed.”

While it remains to be seen as how this whole mess plays out, it appears as though it may come down to any further paperwork that was signed by both Chris Fehn and his Slipknot bandmates in regards to their positions within the group.

In related news, Slipknot were recently announced as the support act for Metallica’s first Australian tour in six years. At this stage, there’s no word whether or not Chris Fehn will appear on these upcoming dates, though this case is making it look very unlikely. Check out Slipknot’s ‘All Out Life’:

Metallica’s WorldWired Australia Tour 2019

With special guests Slipknot

Thursday, October 17th

Optus Stadium, Perth, WA

Sunday, October 20th

Adelaide Oval, Adelaide, SA

Tuesday October 22nd (Sold Out)

Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC

Thursday October 24th

Marvel Stadium, Melbourne, VIC

Saturday October 26th

ANZ Stadium, Sydney, NSW

Tuesday, October 29th

QSAC, Brisbane, QLD

Thursday, October 31st (Sold Out)

Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ

Saturday, November 2nd

Mt. Smart Stadium, Auckland, NZ