Korn’s Brian ‘Head’ Welch Calls Chester Bennington’s Death ‘Cowardly Way Out,’ Explains Himself in Emotional Video
Korn guitarist Brian ‘Head’ Welch has come under fire after posting about Linkin Park frontman Chester Bennington’s death on Facebook. After Welch claimed Bennington took “the cowardly way out,” the guitarist clarified his statement, chalking it up to feeling angry over the situation.
The tributes for Bennington have been coming in heavily. Disturbed’s David Draiman put together a collection of Chester memories together, while Korn and Stone Sour both dedicated songs at their concert last night (JUly 20) to the late Linkin Park singer. Before Korn’s onstage tribute, however, Brian ‘Head’ Welch caused a stir online with his comments on Facebook regarding Bennington’s suicide:
Honestly, Chester's an old friend who we've hung with many times, and I have friends who are extremely close to him, but this is truly pissing me off! How can these guys send this message to their kids and fans?! I'm sick of this suicide s—t! I've battled depression/mental illness, and I'm trying to be sempethetic, but it's hard when you're pissed! Enough is enough! Giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out!!!
I'm sorry, I know meds and/or alcohol may have been involved, I'm just processing like all of us and I know we are all having some of the same thoughts/feelings.
Lord, take Chester in your arms and please re-unite him with his family and all of us one day. Be with his wife and kids with your grace during this difficult time.
After receiving some backlash for the “cowardly” comment, Welch followed up on his words:
I didn't mean to sound insensitive about Chester. Just dealing with a range of emotions today. Love you Chester. I'm pissed that you did this, but I know this could have been me back in the day after getting wasted one night.
Following Korn's show last night in Massachusetts, Head recorded a video of himself struggling to come to grips with Chester’s passing. “I got emotional today about it,” Welch says. “It’s so close to home. We are a small community here in the rock world. I got mad and sad and grieving… I know everybody is out there. I just don’t want it to happen anymore. Just don’t get the rope or whatever and put it around your neck — no more. Don’t get the pills and take them, don’t get a gun and shoot yourself.”
More reactions from Bennington's fellow musicians can be seen here.
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