Brian Welch

Brian "Head" Welch
Head during a show with Korn in 2014
Head during a show with Korn in 2014
Background information
Birth nameBrian Philip Welch
Also known asHead, Sir Headly
Born (1970-06-19) June 19, 1970 (age 54)
Torrance, California, U.S.
OriginBakersfield, California, U.S.
GenresNu metal,[1] alternative metal,[2] Christian metal[1]
OccupationMusician
Instrument(s)Guitar, vocals
Years active1993–present
Member ofKorn, Love and Death
Websitebrianheadwelch.net

Brian Philip Welch (born June 19, 1970), also known by his stage name Head, is an American musician. He is a guitarist and founding member of the nu metal band Korn[3] and his solo project Love and Death, where he also provides vocals. Along with fellow Korn guitarist James "Munky" Shaffer, Welch helped develop Korn's distinctive sound (a mix of sirenlike shards of dissonant guitar that mimicked a turntablist's various effects and rumbling down-tuned riffing) that defined the nu metal aesthetic beginning in the mid-'90s.[3]

After becoming a Christian, Welch left the band in 2005 to focus on life as a father and to pursue his own solo career. He released his debut Christian album, Save Me from Myself, in 2008. He reunited with Korn on-stage at the Carolina Rebellion in May 2012 for the first time in seven years;[4] Welch officially announced in May 2013 that he was rejoining the band. Welch and Munky were ranked at No. 26 of Guitar World's 100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time.[5]

  1. ^ a b Ruhlmann, William. "Brian Welch – Artist Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  2. ^ Heaney, Gregory. "Love and Death – Between Here & Lost". AllMusic. All Media Network. Retrieved December 19, 2015.
  3. ^ a b "Highs and Lows – Entertainment / Neon – ReviewJournal.com". Lvrj.com. September 1, 2009. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  4. ^ Brandon Geist (May 8, 2012). "Exclusive Photos: Korn with Founding Guitarist Head". Retrieved May 6, 2013.
  5. ^ "Guitar World's "100 Greatest Metal Guitarists of All Time" – Blogcritics Music". Blogcritics.org. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved June 8, 2011.