Slipknot pay tribute to Paul Gray

Several Slipknot members have credited their late bassist Paul Gray, following his death on Monday.

Speaking in a news conference screened on the group's website, Gray was branded the "essence" of the rock band's musical manifesto.

Vocalist Corey Taylor said: "Yesterday we lost our brother and the world seems a little smaller because of it. He had the biggest heart of anyone I've ever known, he had the greatest soul I've ever had the privilege to know.

"He was everything that was wonderful about this band and this group of people. I will miss him with every fibre of my heart, as will everybody at this table, and everyone who knew him. He was the best of us."

Meanwhile, percussionist Shawn Crahan added: "Paul Gray was the essence of the band Slipknot. Paul was there from the very beginning and none of us would be on the path we're on right now or have the sort of lives that we have without him.

"He really was the essence of Slipknot and we would like to have him remembered this way."

Gray's widow Brenna, who is expecting their first child, said: "Paul was my husband and was an amazing person. I just want people to just remember him for that and his daughter will remember him for the way he was."