Chris Fehn

Chris Fehn is an American musician best known as the former percussionist and backing vocalist for the Grammy-winning heavy metal band Slipknot, where he performed as Number 3. For over two decades, from 1998 to 2019, Fehn was a core part of the band's explosive live shows and studio albums, contributing to landmark releases like Iowa and Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses). His role involved complex percussion setups and guttural backing vocals, all while wearing a distinctive mask that became part of Slipknot's iconic visual identity. Fehn also played bass for the band Will Haven between 2010 and 2012, showcasing his versatility beyond percussion.[edit]

Chris Fehn grew up in Des Moines, Iowa, a city that would later become synonymous with Slipknot's rise. Not much is publicly known about his early childhood or family background, but he developed an interest in music at a young age. Before joining Slipknot, Fehn was involved in the local music scene, playing in bands and honing his skills as a percussionist. He worked odd jobs to support himself while pursuing music. His big break came in 1998 when Slipknot, then a growing nine-member collective, needed a new percussionist. Fehn auditioned and was brought in, replacing Greg Welts. He quickly adopted the number 3 and a mask, becoming part of the band's chaotic, anonymous stage persona. His first major performances with Slipknot included the 1999 Ozzfest tour, which introduced the band to a massive audience and set the stage for their debut album.[edit]

Fehn joined Slipknot in 1998 just as the band was finishing their self-titled debut album. He appeared on the album's 1999 rerelease and became a fixture on tour. The band's breakthrough came with Iowa (2001), a brutal, chart-topping album that sold over a million copies in the US. Fehn's percussion work was a key element of the band's layered sound. He performed on every subsequent Slipknot album through .5: The Gray Chapter (2014), including Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses) (2004), which won a Grammy for Best Metal Performance, and All Hope Is Gone (2008), which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. Beyond Slipknot, Fehn joined the Sacramento-based band Will Haven as bassist from 2010 to 2012, recording on their album Voir Dire. He also made occasional guest appearances with other acts. In February 2019, Slipknot announced Fehn's departure, citing that he had been absent from band activities. Fehn later filed a lawsuit alleging unpaid royalties, which was settled out of court. Since leaving Slipknot, Fehn has kept a low profile, with no major public musical projects announced.[edit]

Fehn's public image is inseparable from his Slipknot persona: the masked percussionist known for relentless energy and a menacing stage presence. Fans recognized him by his lanky frame, aggressive playing style, and the iconic long-nosed mask. Within the Slipknot community, he was seen as a vital part of the band's rhythm section, often interacting with other members during shows. After his departure, some fans expressed disappointment, while others focused on his contributions to the band's classic era. Fehn rarely spoke in interviews, maintaining an air of mystery that aligned with Slipknot's anonymous ethos.[edit]

Chris Fehn spent two decades as the masked percussionist known as Number 3, anchoring Slipknot's chaotic rhythm with a lanky frame and aggressive mallet work. His identity was so tightly woven into the band's visual mythology that fans rarely separated him from the collective unit of the 'Slipknot family.' There is no official moniker for his specific fanbase; unlike solo acts with dedicated clubs, Fehn's supporters operated within the broader community, celebrating group milestones rather than individual rituals or exclusive charity drives. His public presence remained minimal after his abrupt departure in 2019, shifting from high-energy stage antics to quiet interviews reflecting on his former bandmates. The narrative surrounding him shifted from loyal confidant to controversial figure following his lawsuit over unpaid royalties, sparking intense debate about loyalty and money within the fan culture. While crowds never shut down streets solely for his performances, his legacy is defined by his steady, heavy contributions during the band's rise and the unresolved drama of his exit. Today, he remains a significant figure in the genre's history. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Chris Fehn is currently the 62nd most famous person in Metal, holding this position steady across cycles.[edit]

Chris Fehn's iconic look evolved significantly over his career, starting with a simple white mask featuring black eye holes and a stitched mouth before transitioning to an elaborate leather design complete with a long nose and dreadlocks. He was left-handed yet performed on a right-handed drum setup, often swinging his mallets with wild, high-energy abandon during live shows. Before his music career took off, Fehn worked as a carpenter, bringing a different kind of physical labor to his art. He cited Kiss and Mötley Crüe as early influences and chose his number 3 simply because it was the third available when he joined the band. A tattoo of the Slipknot logo marks his left forearm. Beyond the standard lore, Fehn recently reflected on the late Joey Jordison, describing the founding drummer as an intimidating phenomenon he misses deeply. This sentiment reinforces his reputation as a loyal confidant to the band's original creative core, even as his own story became one of the most discussed controversies in modern metal history due to his legal battle and sudden split.[edit]

Chris Fehn has kept his family life largely private. He has not publicly named his parents or siblings. He has been married at some point, but details about his spouse or children are not confirmed in public records. As of 2026, Fehn resides in Des Moines, Iowa, but few specifics about his household are known.[edit]

Chris Fehn is closely associated with his Slipknot bandmates, including Corey Taylor, Shawn Crahan, Mick Thomson, Jim Root, Sid Wilson, and the late Paul Gray and Joey Jordison. He also worked with Will Haven members Jeff Irwin, Cody Votaw, and Christian Smith.[edit]

Chris Fehn has kept his romantic life extremely private. There are no confirmed public relationships, marriages, or children. As of 2026, his relationship status is unknown.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Chris Fehn's net worth stands at $10 million as of 2026. This substantial figure stems primarily from his 21-year tenure with Slipknot, where album sales, extensive touring revenue, and merchandise deals generated millions globally. Headlining slots at major festivals like Download and Knotfest further bolstered his earnings during those years. Additional income came from his brief stint playing bass for Will Haven between 2010 and 2012. The resolution of his lawsuit against the band also contributed to his financial standing, settling out of court in 2019. Since leaving the group, Fehn has not launched major new projects, causing his active income to decline, yet his wealth remains stable thanks to past earnings and investments.[edit]