Papa Roach, Good Charlotte and Korn are amongst the names in the music world who have paid tribute to Slipknot's Paul Gray who died yesterday.

The body of the 38-year-old was discovered by a hotel employee at the TownePlace Suites in Urbandale, Iowa. The cause of his death is yet to be ascertained.

In homage to Gray, Papa Roach singer Jacoby Shaddix said: was an awesome person on and off stage. He will be missed by many including myself. His spirit will live on through the killer music he wrote.”

James 'Munky' Shaffer of Korn, who has toured with Slipknot, said in an emotional interview: “I want to send my love to his family and the band, they're going through a really very hard time right now. I'm speechless, I just want to send my prayers love and respect to everybody that is surrounding his wife and his baby to be.

Writing on Twitter, Good Charlotte's Benji Madden said: “RIP PAUL GRAY sendin Thoughts&Prayers out to SlipKnot and their friends& Families.”

Meanwhile, Brian Fair of Shadows Fall told MTV: "I'm so crushed to hear about the passing of Paul Gray. I had the pleasure of first getting to know him on a press trip to New York City before our tour with Slipknot and Lamb Of God in 2005 and then sharing stages and good times with him and the boys around the world.

“He was a great musician, an underrated songwriter and a truly warm soul underneath the evil mask he rocked onstage. This is a huge loss to the metal world. He will be missed deeply."

Jamey Jasta of Hatebreed also paid tribute, saying: "Paul was a stand-up guy and a great musician. He and Slipknot changed the face of rock music as we know it. Just about every metal band member from 1999 onward owes him a salute. My condolences to his band, family and fans. We'll miss you dearly, Paul. We are eternally grateful to you."

RIP Paul.

(by Scott Colothan)