Brian Phillip Welch (born June 19, 1970 in Bakersfield, California) better known by his nickname Head, is the former guitarist and a founding member of KoЯn, a multi-platinum, Grammy award winning nu metal band and a major influence in the rise of the nu metal movement. Welch also provided backup vocals. He is also a Christian.

Early Life:
Welch was raised in the industrial farm town of Bakersfield, California. Early in his life, Welch claims that he was different from most kids and was picked on a lot in school. His one passion was music. Welch had started playing the guitar at the age of 10. His first guitar was the legendary Peavey Mystic, what he refers to as "the most metal looking guitar you have ever seen." Originally, he expressed interest in playing drums but his father pushed him to guitar since it was quieter. While in high school, Welch met Reggie "Fieldy" Arvizu, in 10th grade. Reggie also started at guitar, but Brian said the bass was easier and it stuck. Brian's first band was called "Pierct" which is pronounced as Pierced. Growing up he was a very big Ozzy Osbourne fan.

as a Solo Artist:
As of February 2005, Welch was reported to have been working on his solo album, It's Time to See Religion Die, under the name "Head". He has already made his debut with the songs "Kry" and "A Cheap Name", a controversial song about the rapper 50 Cent. He was also said to be releasing a documentary film, Washed by Blood, which would show Welch's personal struggle with alcohol and drug-addiction at the pinnacle of his career and his later choice of a new life and Christian faith. The film would show life as a recording artist, along with animated vignettes, interviews with current friends, associates and former band members and travel footage from his philanthropic work in India. He has recorded several other songs including "Dream" and "Letter To Dimebag" which is an instrumental tribute to the late "Dimebag" Darrel Abott, guitar player for "Pantera" and "Damage Plan". In his autobiography, Welch mentions the songs "Washed By Blood" "Save Me From Myself" and "Rebel". The album has been given scheduled release dates which keep being postponed but the album is apparently in its final mixing stages and should be out in a few months.

Private Life:
In 1995 Brian's girlfriend Rebeka gave birth to a child, but she decided to give it up for adoption. When she got pregnant again they were ready. On July 6, 1998, Welch's wife Rebekah gave birth to their second daughter, Jennea Marie Welch. The band was scheduled to be on the UK version of Ozzfest but dropped out before it started so that Welch could be by his wife's side. He and his wife have since divorced and Brian has custody of their daughter. The two reside in Arizona.

From the early stages of KoRn, Brian used methamphetamines "Speed" on and off until 2005 when he and Rebeka got divorced and he developed a consuming addiction to the drug which led him into a deep depression. His addiction, along with wanting to spend more time with his daughter because he gained custody, was a key reason for his leaving the band in 2005.

On how he got his four-letter moniker, Welch says, "I got a big head... go get me any hat, and it won't fit. 'Cept this one, 'cause it's stretchy."

On February 22, 2005, Korn's management announced that after 13 years, Welch had parted ways with the band, citing that he had "...chosen the Lord Jesus Christ as his savior, and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end."

On March 10, 2005, Welch was baptized in the Jordan River with a group of believers hailing from Bakersfield, California. He has declared that he has rid himself of all drugs in his "own personal rehab" with God, in which he had checked into a hotel room and sat in his bed for countless hours.

Welch and Davis have attacked each other in the media since the former's departure. After he said that Davis and the rest of Korn care only about money, Davis responded in kind, opening a rift between them that may or may not have been resolved.

In July 2005, Welch appeared on CNN's feature-format program "People In The News" where he admitted to having been addicted to alcohol, methamphetamines, Xanax, and sleeping pills before being reintroduced to the Christian faith.

Following his conversion to Christianity, Brian went to some of the more poverty stricken areas of India to build orphanages or "Head Homes". He visited a tribe of head hunters who were apparently reduced to cannabalism because of lack of food.

Welch has been tattooed with the words Matthew 11:28 ("Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."), Matthew 6:19 ("Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal.") and Matthew 5:8 ("Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."). He also has a Jesus tattoo on his hand that Welch claims keeps him from masturbating.

He has recently built a home, which he calls "Head Home" for a group of Indian children numbering over 200.