Brian "Head" Welch kicked off his new summer tour on Thursday night and I had a chance to catch up with him before the show. The tour, in support of his debut album, will be heading to Dallas on Tuesday night May 19th.
As many people who follow the rock world know, the band Korn re-energised the rock movement and influenced a lot of today's artists. In 2005 guitarist and co-founder Welch, after winning multiple Grammys and selling 30 million records worldwide did the unthinkable; he stepped away from it all. He resigned to raise his daughter and battle some personal demons. All which led him to a new light. He is now back with a smoking album and tour and for once, a driving purpose.
His new solo album, Save me from Myself, released in September 2008 and I asked Head if he was as excited now about touring as he was in the early days of his career with Korn. "It's more now and it's just different now. I was gone for so long and I wasn't sure what I was going to do. I know I love music but I didn't know where I was going to end up. I tried to go out like three years ago and set stuff up, but it just didn't work, so now that it's here I am really excited."
The writing on the new album is certainly a look into his own life and personal struggles. It is a story of drug addition and a downward spiral. "The writing <well> dried up when I was on drugs in Korn in 2003 and 2004. I couldn't write barely anything and what I did write I felt like it was crap. When I quit and I just gave my life to Christ it was like every gift that I had opened up and started running over. The well was just full and it's been ever since. I have a clear mind and a clear ear to hear things now and it's pretty cool."
Though now on his own there are still many who can't separate him from his days in Korn. "Korn changed the face of music and it is hard to stay away from that. So I just go with the flow. I am not sorry for Korn, that's where I came from. It's all good."
The latest tour is all about the new album and people get to experience that in the live shows. "It's about my life change and it's all about change. I was almost dead from drugs and now I'm filled with power to live a new life. My music is on fire! You can feel the energy. From being a zombie drug addict to being a resurrected person; the songs talk about that."
If you haven't heard the new Head material it is tight, heavy, and in your face. The intensity he brought to Korn explodes in songs like Adonai and the first single, Flush. You can experience it yourself on this tour. For tour dates and more info visit www.brianheadwelch.net.
Dallas Date:
Tuesday May 19, 2009
The Door 8:00pm – Dallas, Texas
Venue: The Door
3202 Elm St
Dallas, TX 75226
214.742.3667
The Brian "HEAD" Welch band, Sponsored by "I Am Second". Also, Introducing "16 Second Stare" All Ages Welcome Tickets: $13.50 presale (minor fee for under 21) www.ticketmaster.com $16.00 at the door Capacity: 900 For more information: www.fastlaneconcerts.com
To listen to my entire interview with Head, click here: www.mungleshow.com/bhwinterview.mp3 *
*contains blatant spiritual dialogue. Listener discretion is advised.
