James Christian 'Munky' Shaffer

Имя James Christian 'Munky' Shaffer
Birth date 06 Июнь 1970
Страна USA
город неизвестно

James Christian 'Munky' Shaffer (born June 6, 1970 in Bakersfield, California) is the nu metal band Korn's guitarist. He also performed live backing vocals. His nickname, 'Munky', is apparently a reference to the fact that his feet, when spread, resembles monkey's feet (this was revealed in the multi-platinum video "Who Then Now?"). His bandmate Reginald 'Fieldy' Arvizu has a similar nickname, also based on his physical appearance.

He does have musical activities outside of Korn, though: he is the founder of Emotional Syphon Records, who have signed acts like Monster In The Machine and Droid. Droid was also featured on the 2007 Family Values Tour.

It was announced that Munky would not be touring for the rest of the Bitch We Have A Problem Tour due to his father becoming ill. However, on February 20th, Munky announced in a MySpace bulletin that he is returning to the tour at the band's show in Milan.

Life:

As an adopted child, Shaffer led a troubled life, often stealing his parents' alcohol and trespassing. One night, when trying to sneak out to a party, the tip of one of his fingers was severed by the chain on his motorcycle, and, as part of his rehabilitation, Shaffer picked up a guitar. During high school Shaffer met fellow guitarist Brian "Head" Welch and the two often jammed together ever since.

Later on Welch and Shaffer saw Jonathan Davis singing for the band Sexart in a bar. Initially intending to stay only for a few minutes, the pair ended up staying for the whole set upon seeing Davis' performance, and asked him to join their band (still called L.A.P.D. at this point) almost immediately afterward.

Shaffer developed meningitis during 1997 while on tour, requiring him to be hospitalized. KoRn cancelled the remainder of that tour, due to not wanting to replace him with someone who wasn't in the band.

On January 15, 2000, Shaffer married Stephanie Roush. The couple had a daughter, Carmella Star, the next year, whom Shaffer claims is the most prized possession in his life. The two are now divorced.

February 22, 2005, Brian Welch left the band. James felt very sad, but he accepted his friend's choice. Today, he is the only formal guitarist in Korn. (Clint Lowery, Christian Olde Wolbers, and Rob Patterson were only live/session members.)

On the 16th May 2006, Munky played on Spanish nylon guitar in Fieldy's wedding. He was quoted as jokingly saying "now I have something else to fall back on!"

Munky cites Steve Vai and 80's metal guitarists such as Eddie Van Halen and Randy Rhoads as his main influences while learning guitar, growing up.

On March 4, 2008, it was announced that Munky will be releasing a solo record on August 8, 2008 with his solo band Fear and The Nervous System which will feature Munky doing vocals and guitar, Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit and Black Light Burns fame on guitar, Brooks Wackerman of Bad Religion (and also performed on Korn's 8th album) on drums, Leopold Ross on guitar and programming, Bill Gould of Faith No More fame, and Zac Baird (Korn's keyboardist) on keyboards and programming. The record will be produced by Munky and Ross Robinson.

Produced albums