Interviewer: Brian Welch
Interviewee: CNN
Date: April 1, 2006

Brian Phillip Welch, also known as Head, born on June 19th 1970, is the ex-lead guitarist and cofounder of Korn. He used to have rubber-banded braids in his hair as his trademark style. Together with James “Munky” Shaffer, his former band mate, he contributed significantly to the band’s unique sound – a combination of siren-like pieces of inharmonious strings mimicking effects from turntables, with a down-tuned riffing reflecting the nu metal aesthetic that started in the mid-1990s. Along with Munky, Brian Welch was listed as among Guitar World’s 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.

Despite the success of the band, Brian “Head” Welch left Korn. He cited differences in beliefs as one of the reasons and added that he wanted to focus on being a father to his child.

Raised in Bakersfield, California, Brian Welch claimed that when he was younger, he was picked on by kids in his school. He also said that music was his main passion. At first, he was into playing the drums, but he was encouraged by his father to play the guitar instead. Growing up, one of his biggest influences was Ozzy Osbourne.

Brian Welch, who earned the name “Head” due to his large-sized head, engaged in a solo career after leaving Korn. In 2008, he released his first album titled Save Me From Myself. He has yet to launch his second album this 2010.