In a recent interview with Korn Europe, KORN guitarist Brian “Head” Welch reflected on a comment he made back in 2014, where he mentioned the possibility of retiring by the time he turned 60. Now at 54, Welch opened up about how those thoughts have evolved over time, especially as he contemplates the future of his career with KORN and his life beyond music.
Welch, one of the founding members of the iconic nu-metal band, discussed the realities of aging as a musician and how it might affect his long-term plans. He admitted that while retirement isn’t necessarily imminent, it’s something he occasionally considers.
“I might have 10 years left,” Welch said. “I think about that sometimes — not all the time. But if we start to sound a little embarrassing and we’re just sounding too old and stuff, I can’t watch us. I have to feel like we’re still doing good on stage and everything. I just can’t fake it. I can’t fake it.”
This honest assessment of his future reveals Welch’s deep connection to the quality of his art. He doesn’t want KORN to become a shadow of what it once was. His desire to maintain the band’s integrity and vitality is clear. For Welch, it’s not just about staying active for the sake of it, but about ensuring that KORN continues to deliver the same intensity and passion that they’ve been known for over the past three decades.
Welch continued, “If we can do ten years, good. Fifteen? Good.” But he emphasized that this is dependent on the band’s ability to keep up their energy and performance levels. If they were to reach a point where they could no longer maintain their standards, Welch hinted that stepping back would be the responsible and respectful choice.
The Idea of Going Out on Stage vs. Peacefully
One of the more striking parts of the interview came when Welch discussed the popular notion of musicians wanting to “go out on stage”—meaning passing away while performing. While some artists have embraced the idea of going out in the middle of doing what they love, Welch sees things differently.
“People say, ‘I wanna go out on stage.’ I don’t,” Welch admitted. “I wanna go out on a bed. I wanna die in a bed, in comfort, not on stage looking for air.”
This comment highlights Welch’s more grounded perspective on life and death, showing that he values peace and comfort in his final moments rather than the dramatic spectacle of passing away during a performance. Welch’s humility is clear here, as he prioritizes a serene exit over one that might seem more fitting for a rock star.
In his usual humorous manner, Welch joked, “If I’m on stage and I pass, you’d better hand me a beer or, like, 14. ‘I couldn’t drink all my life.'”
While Welch’s comments were lighthearted, they underscored the reality that many musicians face as they age. The idea of continuing to perform at a high level in the physically demanding world of metal becomes more challenging over time, and Welch’s reflections serve as a reminder that all careers, even in rock and metal, have their limits.
KORN’s Current Tour and 30-Year Legacy
KORN has been celebrating the 30th anniversary of their groundbreaking self-titled debut album, which was released in 1994. This album not only defined the nu-metal genre but also marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career for the band. KORN kicked off their summer/fall 2024 North American tour on September 12 in Tampa, Florida, and have been delivering their classic hits to thousands of fans night after night.
The band’s 18-song setlist for the tour includes fan favorites such as “Oildale” from their 2010 album Korn III: Remember Who You Are and “Hey Daddy” from their 1999 album Issues. The latter song had not been performed live for nearly 25 years, making it a special treat for longtime fans.
Joining KORN on this 25-date tour are special guests GOJIRA, the Grammy-nominated French metal band, and Canadian heavy metal group SPIRITBOX. The tour, which is produced by Live Nation, has been making stops in major cities like Toronto, Chicago, and Phoenix, and will conclude on October 27 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Reflecting on KORN’s Enduring Influence
KORN’s impact on the music world cannot be overstated. Since their formation in 1993, they’ve sold over 40 million albums worldwide, won two Grammy Awards, and solidified themselves as pioneers of the nu-metal genre. Their unique sound—blending heavy metal with elements of alternative rock, hip-hop, and grunge—helped shape a new movement in rock music during the mid-1990s.
Despite their longevity, KORN has consistently pushed the boundaries of their music, incorporating new influences while staying true to the raw emotion and intensity that first captivated fans. Their enduring popularity is evident in the massive crowds that continue to attend their live shows and their ability to remain a relevant force in the music industry three decades later.
The Future of KORN Without Fieldy
One major change for KORN in recent years has been the absence of bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu, one of the band’s original members. In June 2021, Fieldy announced that he would be stepping away from the band to focus on his personal well-being. He acknowledged that he had “fallen back” on some bad habits and needed time to heal.
Since then, KORN has been touring with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES bassist Roberto “Ra” Díaz filling in for Fieldy. Although Fieldy’s absence has been felt by fans and band members alike, KORN has continued to perform at a high level, and Díaz has been well-received in his role as the band’s live bassist.
Whether or not Fieldy will return to KORN in the future remains uncertain, but the band has shown resilience in the face of adversity before and continues to push forward.
Brian “Head” Welch’s recent reflections on his career, aging, and the future of KORN offer a candid glimpse into the realities of life as a rock musician. While Welch remains committed to KORN and its legacy, his comments suggest that he is mindful of the natural limitations that come with aging and the need to maintain the band’s integrity.
As KORN celebrates their 30th anniversary and embarks on another successful tour, it’s clear that their influence on the music world remains as strong as ever. However, Welch’s words remind us that even the most iconic bands must eventually face the reality of time. For now, though, KORN continues to rock stages across the globe, proving that they are far from finished.
