Founding Member & Guitarist "Head" Quits KORN

MTV.com is reporting that guitarist Brian "Head" Welch, a founding member of KORN, has left the band and has rededicated his life to Christianity, according to the group's management.

"KORN has parted ways with guitarist Brian 'Head' Welch, who has chosen Jesus Christ as his savior, and will be dedicating his musical pursuits to that end," a statement from the band reads. "KORN respects Brian's wishes, and hopes he finds the happiness he's searching for."

The announcement puts to rest weeks of rumors that Welch was unhappy with KORN's direction. On February 8, he had apparently written a "letter of resignation" to the band's management. In the note, Welch detailed a long list of reasons for leaving the band, including increased moral objections to KORN's music and videos. In particular, he was upset by how he was portrayed in the clip for their cover of CAMEO's "Word Up", off their recently released "Greatest Hits, Vol. 1" album. In the video, Welch's face was superimposed on a dog patrolling a strip club.

Welch plans on further explaining his decision to leave KORN this coming Sunday, when he'll address the congregation at the Valley Bible Fellowship in Bakersfield, California. And on February 28 he plans to leave for Israel.

KORN are currently in the studio working on a new record, which is due in stores in September.