Former Korn Guitarist to Play at Alive Fest in Ohio
Brian Welch now speaks to people who are experiencing substance abuse, despair, and a crisis of faith – just like he once did
Divine love is powerful. It’s the only source that can make a hopeless dead person want to live again. –Brian “Head” Welch, on Twitter this week
It’s fitting that former Korn guitarist Brian Welch will take the stage this weekend in Mineral City, Ohio, to play at a Christian music festival called Alive Fest. His Twitter tag line explains why: “Used to be dead ... now I’m alive.”
Welch left one of the most successful metal groups of his era in 2005 after becoming a Christian. His conversion to Christ is well documented in his books, Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story, Washed by Blood: Lessons from My Time with Korn and My Journey to Christ and his newest release, Stronger: Forty Days of Metal and Spirituality.
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Welch, 41, was into crystal meth, cocaine and alcohol, among other things, and battled his addictions off and on for years. After his marriage fell apart, he became a single father – taking his young daughter, Jennea, on tour, but he knew the environment was not suited for her and he could see she was losing respect for him as time went on.
That tore him up inside.
“Imagine being in this dungeon of depression and seeing this innocence every day, looking at me every day, wanting guidance from me,” Welch told the Canton Rep recently.
After receiving an invitation to church and hearing about the power of prayer, he went home and cried out to Jesus, while doing drugs. Over a two-week period, he could feel God removing his urge to do drugs. He says a “peaceful presence” swept over him, causing him to look up and acknowledge God.
Welch went on to release a solo album in 2008 called Save Me From Myself.
“A lot of the lyrics are just about life, going through difficult times and surviving,” he said in the Canton Rep interview. “Just because you’re a Christian doesn’t mean you’ve got to just do the typical things.”
He wants to release his second album by the end of the year.
Knowing how many people are experiencing substance abuse, despair, and a crisis of faith – just like he did – he speaks in churches and continues to write about his experiences. Last weekend, he shared his testimony at Parkview Christian Church in Orland Park, Ill.
“You think drugs are fun? Anybody here messing with drugs?” he asked at the event. “Try God invading your life, man. You’re here for a reason. You’re going to get the real high. God’s the Most High.”
“I felt like I was given the opportunity to jump on this world’s roller coaster and ride it,” he added. “I got everything I ever wanted. I bought everything I could buy. Nothing compares to a relationship with God.”
It’s a similar sentiment to what fans may hear from Welch this weekend at Alive Fest. His song, “Save Me From Myself” speaks openly about his battle with drugs and God’s redemption, which leads him to sing, “Father! Thank You / Father! I live for You now! / Oh my God I live For You now.”
