Head Finds God, Quits Korn

Korn guitarist and founding member Brian "Head" Welch has left the band, citing religious reasons for the departure.

Welch made the announcement Sunday in an on-air interview with Bakersfield, California, radio station KRAB-FM. "I had it in my heart to come here and explain it to you," Welch said. "I'm good friends with Korn. I love those guys, and they love me, and they're very happy for me."

An official statement on the band's Web site confirms Welch's exit, stating he "has chosen Jesus Christ as his savior and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end." The remaining members -- vocalist Jonathan Davis, guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer, bassist Reggie "Fieldy" Arvizo and drummer David Silvera -- posted that they "respect Brian's wishes and hopes he finds the happiness he is searching for."

Welch will address the congregation of the local Valley Bible Fellowship church on Sunday, February 27th, to discuss his decision in greater detail.

Korn are currently recording their seventh studio album, their first since fulfilling their contract with label Epic, due in September. The band is currently in search of both a label and a guitarist to replace Welch.

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Song Stories

“Oh Sherrie”

Steve Perry | 1984

Steve Perry's girlfriend Sherrie Swafford was actually in the studio when Perry began writing this song--his lone Top Ten hit as a solo act--with two co-writers. The trio began at midnight one night with just "Oh, Sherrie!" and "hold on, hold on." Three hours later, they had a complete song. Swafford, however, had to wait until the next day to hear it. "Sherrie actually got tired and went to bed," Perry said. She also appeared in the video, but their relationship did not hold on for long.

More Song Stories entries »

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