Paul Dedrick Gray (born April 8, 1972), also known by his number #2, is an American musician known as the bassist of Slipknot. He is one of three members to remain with the band since its founding, along with drummer Joey Jordison and percussionist Shawn Crahan, and is the only band member who was not born in Des Moines, Iowa.
Birth name : Paul Dedrick Gray Also known as : #2, Applesauce Born : April 8, 1972 (age 36) Los Angeles, California Origin : Des Moines, Iowa Genre(s) : Alternative metal, Funk metal, Industrial metal, Nu metal, Pop punk, Progressive metal, Rap metal, Rock Occupation(s) : Musician, songwriter Instrument(s) : Bass guitar, backing vocals Years active : 1996–present Label(s) : Roadrunner, Nuclear Blast, Pale One, -ismist Associated acts : Slipknot, Anal Blast, Vexx, Body Pit, Inveigh Catharsi, Reggie and the Full Effect
Personal life and career
Gray was born in Los Angeles, California, shortly before his family relocated to Des Moines, Iowa. In his youth, Gray performed in bands such as Anal Blast, Vexx, Body Pit and Inveigh Catharsi.
As well as lending his bass talents to the band, Gray has also sung backing vocals on select songs Slipknot has performed live, among them "Spit It Out", "Get This", "People = Shit", "Disasterpiece", "Three Nil", "Pulse of the Maggots" and "Before I Forget" – usually when vocalist Corey Taylor's voice has become too dry, tired, or hoarse. Outside Slipknot, Gray has filled in as bassist for Unida during their 2003 tour, appeared on Drop Dead, Gorgeous' Worse Than a Fairy Tale, done a brief tour with Reggie and the Full Effect and appeared on the Roadrunner United project, performing bass on "The Enemy" and "Baptized in the Redemption" from the project's album The All-Star Sessions.
In June 2003, Gray was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs.[2] Turmoil was caused within Slipknot's fanbase when Gray's mugshot from the incident surfaced, as at this time, with the exception of Corey Taylor and guitarist James Root, unobstructed photographs of most members of the band's faces were exceptionally rare.
Paul Gray currently resides in Des Moines, Iowa with his wife. He is also left-handed.
Equipment
- Bass guitars Ibanez Custom ATK300 left handed Ibanez PGB1L Paul Gray Signature left handed Bass Guitar Warwick Thumb left handed Warwick Streamer Stage II left handed
- Amplifiers Peavey GPS 2600 Power Amp Peavey Pro 500 Bass Amp Head Peavey Pro 810 Bass Enclosure
