AceShowbiz - Rockers Slipknot have brought in original founding member Donnie Steele to replace late bandmate Paul Gray. The rockers are set to return to the stage in 2011's summer for their first performances since Gray suffered a fatal drug overdose last May 2010.

Frontman Corey Taylor cast doubt on whether they would go through with the tour when he admitted in December 2010 that he was "on the fence" over whether the band should continue without Gray. But now they have stepped up plans for their summer shows by hiring Steele, who helped create the group but left in 1996.

"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," a statement from the band, read. "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 with us at the very beginning. The eight of us are looking forward to eing onstage again and honoring Paul's legacy."