Ex-KORN Guitarist BRIAN 'HEAD' WELCH's Defends 'Controversial' Video

Former KORN guitarist Brian "Head" Welch has issued the following statement:

"I have received a handful of messages from some conservative people complaining about the sex and drug references in my new music video for 'Flush'; and, I have recently learned that some select retailers are pulling my CD from their shelves because of my music video's content. So, I wanted to give an explanation of what the video means to me; and to address those select retailers that are pulling the CD from their shelves.

"The video for 'Flush' is about crystal meth addiction and the crazy things anyone addicted to meth will do while they're high or to get their fix. Everything the models were doing in the video is what I was wrapped up in while I was addicted to meth. The video is a very realistic look at the addiction and where it will lead you if you get hooked. I understand the images of the models may be too much for some people, but honestly, I was just trying to be real with what happened in my life and show where I was, as well as where I am at now.

"I was totally imprisoned by meth (straight jacket). I would do anything to get my meth (models being obsessed with pink substance). I was totally kinky and freaky while I was on meth (models touching each other and licking pink substance off of each other). I got emotionally, spiritually and physically sick while I was on meth (models puking up black tar all over their faces and everywhere else).

"I believe I would be dead right now if I continued using meth, but instead, I chose to surrender my life to Christ and die to myself so He could share His resurrection with me (models lying down lifeless, getting zipped up in body bags, coming back to life and ripping through the body bags to catch their new breath of life). Significantly, the images also go along with what the kids (not actors) at the beginning of the video were honestly saying about their addictions.

"To be clear, I'm not going to apologize for my video! But I did want to clear up any confusion about what the video actually meant and hopefully put some minds at ease.

"I have also been informed that my CD is being pulled from a handful of retailers' shelves because of my music video's content. I totally understand that the video may be a bit too much for some conservative people and I respect everyone's choice. But to me, taking my CDs off the shelves because of a music video (that isn't being sold with the CD) is a bit too extreme! There is a huge message of hope on my CD and I believe those retailers that are pulling the CD from their shelves are robbing someone spiritually by taking it off of the shelves. But thank GOD for iTunes!

"I'm not called to be a Sunday schoolteacher obviously....I mean, just look at me.... (smile)... I'm called to speak to people that understand my language and I'm gonna be as REAL as possible. The CHEESE has to disappear from the Christian media. I challenge the conservative Christians to start thinking 'outside the box,' and get real with how they try and connect with the masses!!

"As for me — I'm going to do everything I can do to KILL RELIGIOUS MINDSETS THAT CONTINUE TO BE PIGEON-HOLED IN THEIR THINKING!! DIE!!! RELIGION!!! DIE!!!!!

"Oh, yeah....one more very important thing....I love you all....Even you conservative nitpickers!!!"

Brian "Head" Welch's debut solo album, "Save Me From Myself", sold 7,800 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 63 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"Save Me From Myself" was released on September 9 through Driven Music Group (distribution by Ryko/Warner Music Group),the label he co-founded with music execs Greg Shanaberger and Mark Nawara. The CD was produced by Head, who recorded the music off and on for the past two years in Phoenix, Arizona. It features renowned musicians Tony Levin (PETER GABRIEL, DAVID BOWIE) and Josh Freese (A PERFECT CIRCLE, NINE INCH NAILS),and was mixed by Ralph Patlan and Bob Clearmountain. It's a testimony of Head's life as he battled with drug addiction and leaving KORN, and finding spirituality.

"Save Me From Myself" track listing:

01. L.O.V.E. (6:31)
02. Flush (4:26)
03. Loyalty (5:07)
04. Re-Bel (5:40)
05. Home (6:52)
06. Save Me From Myself (5:44)
07. Die Religion Die (5:34)
08. Adonai (5:19)
09. Money (4:43)
10. Shake (4:48)
11. Washed By Blood (9:34)

"Flush", the new video from Brian "Head" Welch, can be viewed below. The clip was directed by Frankie Nasso of Nova Entertainment (MUDVAYNE, HATEBREED, ALL THAT REMAINS, WALLS OF JERICHO). According to a press release, "the storyline takes a surprising turn away from what the conservative press would expect from Head and his spiritual awakening and takes an in-your-face, gritty, but very honest look at the depths to which individuals will go to satisfy their drug/alcohol addictions or other vices. Wrapped with footage of real-life stories, and overlayed with other innuendo, Head's performance steals the picture and will answer anyone's questions as to whether he can still rock as hard or harder than his earlier days in KORN."

Making of "Flush" video: