Slipknot percussionist Shawn 'Clown' Crahan has urged fans to spend more time with their families after his mother died at the weekend.

Since his mother's passing, the 39-year-old missed shows in Springfield and St Louis and yesterday posted a message on the band's website explaining his absence.

Revealing the sad news about his mother Mary, Crahan wrote: "No preaching from me, but spend as much time as you can with your parents! Time moves very fast!"

A statement on the band's website reads: “As many of you have already heard, Clown’s mother passed away this weekend which forced him to take some time off from the road.

“Clown plans to return to the road shortly and appreciates everyone’s understanding about his absence at the recent shows.”

Ass previously reported, Crahan's side project Dirty Little Rabbits will be making their UK debut at Sonisphere this summer.

(by Scott Colothan)