Paul Gray at a glance
Paul Gray was born on April 8, 1972, and died on May 24, 2010, making him 38 years old at the time of his death. He was an American musician best known as the bassist and founding member of the band Slipknot. This profile summarizes his age, career timeline, and verified milestones, focusing on factual details relevant to understanding his life and legacy. The following sections clarify common questions about his age, career, and dates with reference to reliable public records.
Birth date and age at key milestones
Verified birth date and early life
Paul Gray was born on April 8, 1972, in Des Moines, Iowa. Growing up in Iowa, he developed an interest in music that led him to co-found Slipknot in 1995. Because his birth date is consistently recorded in biographies and interviews, it is widely used to anchor timelines around his career and age.
Age at major career events
Understanding Paul Gray’s age at important career moments helps frame his contributions to Slipknot. Key milestones include the band’s formation, early underground growth, breakthrough albums, and major awards. These dates are frequently referenced when discussing his age and the timeline of the band’s rise.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| April 8, 1972 | Birth | Anchor point for age and timeline |
| 1995 | Slipknot formed | Began his career in the band |
| 1999 | Slipknot self-titled debut | Early recognition and fanbase growth |
| 2001 | Iowa released | Increased visibility and reputation |
| 2005 | Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) | Broader mainstream success |
| 2006 | Lose Weight (song) and Grammy | Award recognition for the band |
| May 24, 2010 | Death | End of his life at age 38 |
Age in context of Slipknot’s timeline
Paul Gray co-founded Slipknot in 1995 at age 23. The band built a following through relentless touring and a distinctive masked identity before releasing their debut album in 1999, when he was approximately 27. Their major label breakthrough and subsequent world tours extended through his late 20s and 30s. By the time of his death at 38, he had been a central creative figure in Slipknot for about 15 years.
Common questions about Paul Gray’s age
Fans often ask how old Paul Gray was at specific points or compare his age to other band members. Since his birth date is publicly documented, it is straightforward to calculate his age at any given year. Below are answers to frequently asked questions tied to his age and timeline.
- How old was Paul Gray when Slipknot formed? He was 23 at the band’s formation in 1995.
- How old was he at the release of Slipknot (1999)? He was about 27.
- How old was he at the release of Iowa (201)? He was 29.
- How old was he when he died? He was 38 years old.
- How does his age compare to other founding members? His age aligns closely with the band’s timeline, as most founders were in their early to mid-20s when the group started.
Age and public records
Reliable sources for birth date
Paul Gray’s birth date is listed in official biographies, credible music databases, and published obituaries. These records are used by journalists and reference sites to report his age accurately. Cross-referencing multiple sources helps confirm the April 8, 1972 date.
Why precise dates matter
Exact dates reduce confusion when discussing timelines, calculating ages at events, or comparing milestones. For long-form profiles and reference content, verified dates support clarity and ensure that information remains accurate over time.
Legacy and age-related context
Although Paul Gray’s career was relatively concentrated compared to some peers, his work during his 38 years had a lasting impact on the band’s identity and on broader rock and metal audiences. Discussing his age in context highlights the length of his active contributions and the period in which he shaped Slipknot’s sound. Many references to his age appear in retrospectives that aim to clarify how his timeline fits into the band’s history.
Reference notes
Information in this profile is drawn from publicly available records, including official biographies, reputable music databases, and published news reports. When discussing dates and ages, the aim is to use consistent, corroborated sources so the content remains reliable for readers researching Paul Gray’s life and career.