Brian Welch, Formerly of Korn, is Using His Big Head to Push Change (Interview)

Brian Welch is known as "Head," for the big noggin he sports. He's also known as a founding member of the nu-metal band Korn, and for leaving the band in 2005 to dedicate his life to Christ, give back to people in need and concentrate on raising his daughter, Jennea. So what's Welch been up to since then?

Well, the ex-Korn guitarist recently signed with William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, which already handles top Christian acts—along with the self-proclaimed Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne. Head is recording a new record in Nashville, Tennessee (he's still rock, don't worry), and hoping to be known for something other than the guy who left a super popular band.

Planet Green: What does the new stuff sound like?

Brian Welch: It's really cool ... It's just in the beginning stages. We don't have a title yet ...

I'd say it's still heavy, but it's got a lot more melody.

PG: So you left Korn to commit your life to Christ and give back. What sort of giving back have you been up to?

BW: We're always doing stuff like trying to talk to kids and stuff like that about not going down some of the same paths with drugs and violence or whatever that is out there.

PG: How are you spending the holidays?

BW: I'm going with some friends to hang out with some kids that are in the cancer hospital (on Dec. 23) ... It's cool just to not do things for yourself always and help people ...

It says in the Bible that Jesus was always with the poor. When you hang out and give like that, it makes you feel like you're doing God's work. I don't do it all the time, but I like to do it more. You think that you're blessing them and they're actually blessing you.

PG: After leaving Korn, you went on to write an autobiography called "Save Me From Myself," released in 2007, which made the New York Times' Best Seller list. The book, along with a companion album, told the story of your battle with drug addiction and decision to leave the band you helped create. What did you learn from your mistakes?

BW: I was selfish a lot before. It was me, me, me. I wanted to get rich and famous and grow my money and it was just about me. I turned into a drug addict. Then, I found Christ and I said "I'm so miserable because my life has all been about me." I've got a new heart and a new way of thinking. It's about what you can give, not what you can get.

PG: Your new band includes Michael Valentine on bass, Scott Von Heldt and Ralph Patlan on guitars, Brian Ruedy on keyboards and Dan Johnson on drums. You toured a little in 2009 and plan to hit the road full time in 2010. Does the band share your convictions?

BW: They grew up in families that were Christian, some of them, and some of them not so much ... I don't judge anybody. I'm not some weird Christian freak. I love heavy music and I like to play it. These guys, they're good friends.

PG: How will your tour reflect your new lifestyle? Will there be environmental or social or charity efforts?

BW: All that stuff is getting set up right now. It's going to happen ... Now that I've got some good people on my team, now that I've got a management firm, I think it's going to be really good that way ... We've talked about going and doing some speaking to some kids (during tour stops).

PG: What will you tell them?

BW: I basically just tell them my story. How I went and chased the world and I got it and I got everything I ever wanted—and when I made it just for me, it started turning me into a bad person. It makes them think about what they're really going after in life.

PG: You're known best, probably, as the guy who left Korn. What do you want to be known for?

BW: I don't know, someone that turned his life around with the help of Christ, just got a new outlook on life and got a new beginning.

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