Slipknot bassist arrested

Gray was arrested after trying to write a cheque

Slipknot bassist Paul Gray has been arrested on drugs and drink-driving charges after a car accident.

Paul Gray, who wears a pig mask on stage, collided with a car after going through a red light on Sunday in his home town of Des Moines, Iowa, police confirmed.

When police arrived on the scene, Gray's behaviour was said to be erratic.

"Paul Gray was driving a red 2001 Porsche. He ran a red light and collided with another car. He appeared to be impaired," said a Des Moines police spokesman.

"He tried to write a cheque for $1,000 (£600) to the other driver. That's when they called the police."

Cheque

Police searching the car found two syringes, "a vial containing a powdery substance and a small baggie of marijuana".

The powder later tested positive for cocaine.

Gray failed two alcohol tests at the scene and was arrested for possession of marijuana, cocaine and drug paraphernalia, as well as operating while impaired, the US term for drink-driving.

He was reported to have consented to a urine test - used by US police to detect drugs - but the results will not be known for several weeks.

Police said he posted bail of $3,800 (£2,375) and is expected to return to court to hear formal charges.

Controversy

Slipknot are one of the biggest heavy metal bands in the world. All nine of its members come from Des Moines, a city of some 500,000 people.

They formed in 1995 and have so far released three albums, selling millions of copies around the world.

Their stage shows have drawn controversy, as all of the band play in horrific, home-made Halloween masks.

Slipknot are currently working on their fourth record, with producer Rick Rubin, which is expected to be released next year.