Brian "Head" Welch, formerly of Korn, to sign books in Bakersfield

a comment on this, of which I am sure will be followed by many

Submitted by Out of the Void on Wed, 07/25/2007 - 15:38.

First off:
This man's talent as a guitarist is enormous.
I have been electrified and deeply moved by the work of he and his former band Korn since they started getting airplay back east.

I have been following the story with great interest,
as, when he decided to leave the band, because of the development of his personal beliefs as a Christian,
-he did so with a lot of class,
-did NOT trash his bandmates, obviously still loved them as brothers,
--and they felt the same way back. (That was really cool.)

I also found his reasons and comments on the situation to be quite telling, and my heart went out to all involved.
In short?
He stated that, whereas he and the band had no problem with going into the darker sides of the human experience and writing about it, That they were severely pressured and pushed by the marketing and upper levels of their promotions people to really focus on the negativity and destructive aspects of these experiences, -and that they themselves did not want to emphasize such things, felt bad about it, and simply were not allowed to let up.
He could no longer stand it.

-But that they each felt enough respect for each other,
-and for him, to pursue the situation as they were so led.

He stated clearly that they were just a bunch of great friends who wanted to make good music, and were being forced into an image and subject that they were not comfortable with.

-Considering how wonderful it is to be in a band, and how close a family it is? To have to be put through that has got to be hell, to stay in it, hell, to walk away from it? probably hell at first, but I'm really glad that the guy was able to find peace and had the courage to do so.

This was not just some 'insider,' trashing what had made him rich and famous,
-and his bandmates echo'd that.

In a world where there is so much posturing, exaggeration, and strawmen
-as well as spin as to what is good, evil, or cathartic or destructive behavior,
I applaud this guy for simply being truthful, genuine, and not caving into the trends on any side.
I think a lot of people are going to read his stuff and get help,
-and seek help for those who they love.

PS: the whole issue of 'cutting,' (as portrayed to an extent in the unfortunate segment on 'emo?'
HUGE problem here in Fresno among adolescents... HUGE.
(And there really isn't a lot resources available to even assist professionals, nor those affected, either.)

I still have great respect for the band as stellar musicians,
-and would consider his perspective a worthwhile read and something to consider.
I think hearing what he has to say may tell a lot of folks about music from the dark side,
-the unfortunate phenomena of self-inflictive injury, and why.

I won't make it to Bakersfield,
may never make it there,
but if I could?
-I'd shake this guys hand, wish him well, and tell him thanks for his honesty and on this manner, -and as a musician.

Thanks for posting this information.