Today (May 24) marks the first anniversary of the death of Slipknot's bassist Paul Gray, and bandmate Joey Jordison has paid a public and emotional tribute to his late friend.

Gray was found dead in an Iowa hotel room back in 2011 and the news both shocked and devastated everyone. Writing on his official Facebook page this morning, drummer Jordison wrote:

"Hey Paul, It was so great hanging out with you yesterday and today. Talking and reminiscing about old times and seeing you respond with some of the strongest gusts of wind I've ever felt... There was no one like you. That's why you were my best friend... I miss you each and every day."

He also thanked fans, known as maggots, for their continued strength and for the inspiration that drives Slipknot to keep making music:

"There were supposed to be five days of tornadoes and rain here in Iowa, but the sun came out stronger than it has all year. It's good to know Paul's keeping an eye on things.

"This is a horrible thing that happened, but each of you has made this just a little bit easier to deal with. Your support means everything to us."

Watch a recent interview with Shawn "Clown" Crahan here: