Former KORN Guitarist Sets Record Straight Regarding Claim He Asked To Rejoin Band

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

"I recently learned of an interview [see video below] that Munky [KORN guitarist James Shaffer] gave where he said that I came to KORN and asked to be taken back in the band. That's definitely not a complete and accurate picture.

"The full truth is that for about a year, ever since Jonathan [Davis; KORN frontman] publicly said he wanted me back in KORN, KORN's managers have been requesting my manager to work on getting me back into KORN. The calls were initiated by KORN's managers, not my manager.

"I shut the door on their requests many, many times over the last several months, through my manager. However, Fieldy [KORN bassist Reginald Arvizu] personally called me during KORN's last tour in Europe and we talked as friends for a long time. He also told me if I ever wanted to rejoin KORN, or open for KORN as a solo artist, the door was always open.

"Since Fieldy is sober now and a Christian like me, I thought it may be a good idea to visit with Fieldy, a friend of mine, to see what he was up to and what it was all about.

"I had a great time reconnecting with Fieldy. I mainly went to his house to connect with an old friend. The KORN stuff we talked about was secondary, but it was discussed. Fieldy thought that Jonathan, Munky, and I should all meet AS FRIENDS; reconnect; and maybe discuss the possibilities. Both Jonathan and Munky refused that meeting.

"I learned a lot visiting with Fieldy. I learned that I love and miss my friends, but the visit confirmed to me that I have a different calling in life than to reconnect musically/professionally.

"As far as Munky's comment that 'everything has been divided already,' that is also not accurate. In fact, from January 2005 when I left, and for the next four years, KORN failed to pay to me royalties that were due to me on records that I did with them. However, I don't believe this was done intentionally.

"We are trying to be patient and work with their management to get the financial issues resolved so that 'everything can be divided as we agreed long ago in our contracts.' I am optimistic that we can resolve it as friends.

"I continue to wish nothing but the best for KORN, and that includes all of my friends there — Fieldy, Jonathan and Munky."

Altitude TV's interview with Munky, during which he made the above-mentioned remarks, was conducted this past Saturday (September 12) at the Sunset Strip Music Festival (SSMF) in Hollywood, California.

When asked about KORN's current relationship with former members Welch and David Silveria (drums),Munky said, "It's kind of a strange thing. Brian actually contacted us recently and wanted to come back to the band. And it was not the right time... for us.

"It's kind of like if you divorced your wife and she went on and she stayed successful and her career flourished, and you go back and [say], 'My gosh, she's still hot.' 'Baby, can we get back together?' 'Wait a minute... All the stuff's been divided, and it's like...'

"I don't see it happening right now. It's not gonna happen right now."

He continued, "As far as David goes, I heard he sold every single drum he owns... or he gave it away. He doesn't even own a drum stick. I mean, it blows me away... Wow, one of the best drummers I've ever played with and I think a lot of people have ever heard. Just to go... 180 [degrees]... go the opposite direction.

"The music business can be dirty and some people can endure it and some people just don't want anything to do with it once something bad has happened to them."

Welch abruptly quit KORN in early 2005 and announced that he had been saved by Jesus Christ. His announcement in front of 10,000 people in Bakersfield, California set off a media frenzy, as people from around the world sought to understand what led this rock star into the light.

In a May 2009 interview with Noisecreep, Welch said that he was fully happy with his decision to leave the band and has not considered a return to the group that made him famous. "If I ever felt God lead me back to KORN for some reason, I'd go," he said.