Masked rockers Slipknot have finally announced who will be stepping into the band following the death of member Paul Gray in 2010.

Original member Donnie Steele is said to be now rejoining the band following the untimely death of the bass guitarist last year.

In a statement posted on the bands website the rumours were finally confirmed.

The statement said: “Donnie was great friends with Paul and we can't think of a better way to celebrate his memory than with someone who was there at the beginning.”

It added: “Donnie was in the band at the very beginning, and rather than get an outsider, we thought it would be a fitting tribute to Paul to play with someone from within the family.

“The eight of us are looking forward to being onstage again and honouring Paul's legacy with our families in Europe and Brazil this summer.”

Donnie Steele, who originally left Slipknot back in 1996 will be replacing Paul Gray who died in May 2010 following what has been described as an accidental morphine overdose.

After his death there were tributes held in his honour at both the Download festival which took place in the summer and also at the metal music Kerrang! Awards which was held in August last year.

Slipknot, whose last studio album debuted at number one in hte Billboard charts in 2008, will be getting back to their busy tour schedule with dates including a headlining performance at the Sonispher festival in July as well as a host of shows across Europe.