NAME:Jonathon Davies
INSTRUMENTS:vocals and bagpipes

BORN:January 18, 1971
MARTIAL STATUS:Seperated

 

In the year of 1971, on January 18th, a baby boy by the name of Jonathan Houseman Davis was born to his mother, and father, Rick Davis.

Bakersfield, California was the city and state to become home to such a talented young man. Jonathan's real mother worked in local theatre. His father worked in the music industry along with Buck Owens, as well as other occupations, such as working in a musical store when Jonathan was young. At the age of five, Jonathan was taking up drumming. By high school, he had taken up many instruments such as the piano and bagpipes. His grandmother played the bagpipes and, after hearing Amazing Grace, he was inspired to take up the Scottish instrument. He was in his high school's band class as well as a bagpipe band for his school.

When Jonathan was just a young boy at the age of three, his Mother and father divorced and his Father remarried when he was 12. While many children have trouble adjusting to a new parent, or just plain refuses to get along, Jonathan's troubles went a little deeper. This is what Jonathan had to say about the song "Kill You".

"It's about a relative I first met when I was 12. I fucking hate that bitch. She's the most evil, fucked up person I've met in my whole life. She hated my guts. She did everything she could to make my life hell. Like, when I was sick she'd feed me tea with Tabasco, which is really hot pepper oil. She'd make me drink it and say, 'You have to burn that cold out, boy'. Fucked up shit like that. So every night when I'd go to sleep, I'd dream of killing that bitch. In some sick way I had a sexual fantasy about her, and I don't know what that stems from or why, but I always dreamt about fucking her and killing her."

Growing up, he often resented his father for not being around. His father was often on the road and busy with his work, and Jonathan felt he was mistreating him, as well as the whole family. When his father was around, their conversations didn't usually go further than the subject of girls. Jonathan represented his father as the abuser in the song "Daddy". They both get along fairly well now and Jonathan has a "newfound respect" for his father since he is a dad.

"Since I was 13, all we talked about was pussy. It wasn't until I started writing songs about him that we started talking about all that other stuff. He's not that bad now. But at that time it felt horrible. When he asks me, 'I wasn't a bad dad, was I?' What am I going to say? 'You were an asshole'?" - Spin Magazine

When Jonathan was young, someone outside the family was abusing him, that resulted in, among other things, the song "Daddy".

"People think Daddy was written because my dad fucked me up the ass, but that's not what the song's about. It wasn't about my dad or my mom. When I was a kid I was being abused by someone else and I went to my parents and told them about it. They thought I was lying and joking around, so they never did shit about it. They didn't believe it was happening to their son."

He was always involved in music, whether playing, listening or making it in an early band, Sex Art. In Highland High School "Beavis and Butthead School" - (Fieldy, MTV interview) the high school he attended, he listened to new wave music like Duran Duran. He wore make up eyeliner to mimic his pop star idols. His classmates didn't understand or care to understand so he was made fun of, being called 'gay', 'faget' and 'queer', hence the song "Faget", his nickname HIV (pronounced Hiv, one word), and a tattoo of HIV on his left arm.

"That tattoo has probably saved my life. You know in situations when passion and lust take over your brain I take a look at that tattoo and I remember that the virus is out there and you never know who's got it."

On his right arm he has a tattoo of a bishop ripping through his skin. Jonathan had this to say about it:

"The bishop is a symbol of the atrocities that religion is making. He's ripping up my skin to reveal Christ. It's more of a symbol of how corrupt religion is. I don't believe in any of it because of shit like televangilism. Do you really think that all that money really goes to charity?"

Though he was often the object of ridicule in school and at home, he refused to change himself to fit in. He had always believed to be yourself and not to change for other people. These strong feelings are recognized in early songs such as "Fake" and "Lies". Those songs are about how so many people try to be something they're not, and he knows that so many people are so fake and obvious. They would rather be untrue to themselves than to face ridicule from their peers.

At the age of 16, Jonathan went into a job placement program to become a respiratory therapist, but that position was already taken so he went in for the coroner's office position.

"I wanted to go and see a dead body, I thought it would be cool. I didn't expect to fall in love with it. I fell in love with the profession, and totally got myself into it. My bosses were so impressed that they gave me a job. As soon as I graduated high school, I went to Mortuary College and did two semesters there. While I was doing that, I worked at the coroner's office, sometimes doing autopsies. Then I was trained to be a reserve deputy coroner, go out to the accident scenes, check it out and write reports. It was crazy, I was in the death business- DEAD BOY." - Hit Parader

Many bodies were brought in to Jonathan, and many images and memories of the bodies stayed with him. Some of them he knew or spoke with the day before their bodies came in. One woman came in frantic, and Jonathan calmed her down and talked with her and settled things. He saw her the next day, her body on the autopsy table. He also learned that life isn't as planned as we think it may be. He remembers the body of a person who died because of a typewriter fell on him.

In the song "Pretty", Jonathan sings about one experience working as a coroner's assistant. "Pretty" is about a young victim of incest. At first, he says, he was calm and did his job, but it later bothered him so much his dreams revolved around her. Dreams about dead bodies haunted Jonathan after working in such an environment, and he suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In many of his songs he expresses his deepest feelings, which makes Jonathan's lyrics so relateable to kids around the world. He sings about real emotions that he actually feels and so many kids feel the same about so many topics.

Jonathan was in a band called Sex Art, who was featured on "Cultivation 92", a compilation CD of local bands from Southern California. Sex Art was made up of Jonathan Davis, Ty Elam of Videodrone and Ryan Shuck of Orgy, as well as others who later formed Juice. Sex Art's style was different than that of Korn, but none the less it was rock. One night at a small bar, Brian "Head" Welch and James "Munky" Schaffer were about to leave when they saw Sex Art come on. At first Head and Munky didn't recognize Davis, although they were both very impressed with his music. The next day Jonathan received a phone call asking him to come and audition for their band, Creep that had all the members of KoRn today except for Jonathan.

When first asked, Jonathan was skeptical. He went to an astrologer and she told him that it would be a good idea for him to at least try out and he was being stupid if he didn't. If the band didn't like him, it wasn't meant to be. Jonathan took heed to the advice and attended a try-out for the band. Creep played a song and Jonathan had to make up lyrics and sing whatever he felt was right. The band was impressed, but Jonathan still felt loyalty to his band, Sex Art. He finally decided it was a good idea to join Creep, (later, KoRn) and within a few short months the band was playing together.

According to Jonathan and a lot of KoRn Kids, the idea of calling the band 'KoRn' was Jonathan's idea. It's named after a cute little story that was told around Bakersfield. He would say "corn" to anybody that knew the story to gross someone out. When the newly formed band was thinking of a name for them, Jonathan suggested "Corn". They agreed that it would work and Jonathan wrote it down with a black crayon like a child would write it with a K instead of a C, and a backwards R.

In 1995 another Davis was born to Renee and Jonathan. Nathan Houseman Davis, his middle name after Jonathan. He was expecting a girl, but he was happy to have a boy. He can be heard on A.D.I.D.A.S. providing backing vocals of sorts. Then in 1998, Jonathan married his girlfriend of 7 years, Renee. Their wedding was done up in old time with fairies and knights in armor. After two years of marriage, Renee and Jonathan divorced.

In the most recent showing of his diverse talents, you can hear the music in "Queen of the Damned"; a movie based on the novel by Anne Rice. He, along with another composer, is writing the score for the movie. Also, you can hear his drumming talents on songs such as "Dead", "4 U", "It's Gonna Go Away", "Wish You Could Be Me", "Dirty", and "Trash".

Jonathan Davis' lyrics are something for people to talk about. From the reality bitten "Daddy" to the old school style bagging on "All In The Family" with Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit, Jonathan's lyrics have it all, although the only mentioning of happiness is that it's all he wants; "All I want in life is to be happy". He's given to his fans in a way most artists never would; he's given us his dark secrets. He's shown us how to cope, when to forgive, and when to fight back with a vengeance. For many he's like a second parent to those who's real parents don't care. His lyrics are a way to vent and to feel. KoRn started as "everybody's band", touring intensely and letting kids get to know Jonathan personally with his lyrics. KoRn fans feel a bond with Jonathan that will not be broken by bandwagon fans or others dissing him or the band.

 

Brian

NAME:Brian Phillip Welch
INSTRUMENT:Guitar

BORN:June 19,1970
MARTIAL STaTUS:Married

 

Brian Phillip Welch was born in Torrance, California on June 19th back in 1970. For those of you not good at math that makes him 29...almost 30. Before there was even a thought of KoRn in Brian's mind he was jamming with his future guitar counterpart. Throughout high school Brian and James "Munky" Shaffer would practice together, teaching each other guitar parts. The guys have been playing together for a good portion of their lives. This could be part of why they are the ones with that 2 guitar harmony down, they've been doing it for years!

As fate would have it Munky joined LAPD (a pre-KoRn band) and Brian hung out with them and drank their beer. They needed a touring guitarist, so they asked their dear Brian to help them out. Being the beer-loving Head we all know and love, he didn't turn down the gig.

Alcohol has been a theme in the career of Brian. Whenever you hear the story of how Limp Bizkit got their start you might hear of that "a member of KoRn" got tattooed with the word "Horn" by a drunken Fred Durst. Well, that was Head. Also, Head doesn't exactly remember the filming of the video for "Got The Life." Apparently prior to the shooting there was a little partying, and well, Head was drunk. He claims that he knows that he was there, because he's seen the video. However, he doesn't remember being there.

With a name like "Head" you must assume that there is some sort of interesting story. This isn't really the case though. According to the man himself, "...because I got a big head...go get me any hat, it won't fit! Except this one, because it's stretchy." Head is the member of KoRn who does backing vocals on various tracks. There is one song, in particular, that Head sings all of. He's the one who gets his "Tone-Loc on" for the cover of War's "Lowrider."

Head is married to Rebekkah. They have a little girl, Jennea Marie, who was born on July 6, 1998. You can site little unborn Jennea as the reasoning for KoRn pulling out of the European Ozzfest '98. Head refused to travel overseas while his wife was pregnant, considering it was such a crutial time. The band refused to play without Brian, thus they just pulled out.

James

NAME:James Cristian Shaffer
INSTRUMENT:Guitar

BORN:June 6, 1970
MARTIAL STATUS:Married

James Shaffer was born in Rosedale, California, on June 6th, 1970.

Munky began his musical career after an accident with his three-wheeler which severed the top of his left index finger.

One night while sneaking out to a party and pushing his bike the chain slipped off. He slapped his hand on it so it wouldn't make a noise but his finger got caught and cut the top off.

"The doctor's like..you got to rehabilitate your finger somehow, like take up a musical instrument. And I said..how about guitar..he goes, that's perfect"

Before joining Korn Munky was in a band named LAPD with Head, David and Fieldy. "Brian (Head) said..oh I know this guy from my highschool, so they called me up, and they're like, do you want to come and try out for our band, it wasn't that I could play, it was that I had long hair" says Munky. "I sat down, Brian showed me the songs, and then that's how we all just started playing together".

On stage Munky is more than often seen wearing a pair of old overalls. "I wanted to wear something on stage that was like kinda trashy, dirty, you know, because when I'm up there I feel like...sick" says Munky. "Really what it is, it's like that person I don't like in me, all the things I hate about myself, that's who I am up there". Munky now sports a spanking clean pair of white overalls with black X's down the chest.

Munky earned his nickname from his feet. "My feet. I'd spread 'em out and everyone said they look like hands, like monkey hands."

 

NAME:Reginald Arvizu
INSTRUMENT:Bass

BORN:November 2, 1969
MARTIAL STATUS:Married

In November 2, 1969 a person that would change the face of music forever was born; he was Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu. While his dad was touring with his band. The tour bus pulled over and Fieldy popped out. Fieldy first bass was a gift from his father at the age of 5.

Fieldy is truly a unique bass player; his sound is like a drummer. Fieldy quotes himself, as "I'm a drummer. A drummer on bass." This sound has revolutionized the world of the Bass Guitar.

"I play when I have to, I don't practice ever. If were going to write a song, I'll play, but I don't sit around and play my bass ever. Not even on my most boring day! I used to practice back in the day. But, I mean, I'm not about practicing today. I'm more about creating songs and we only do that when we're in a room together. I don't just sit around watching TV practicing or trying to make songs up."

He gets ready for a concert with lots of stretching. "I don't warm up on bass, I just put the shit on and play."

Fieldy also does the merchandise for KoRn. He designs the t-shirts, hats, and stickers. Fieldy will show the designs to the band. And they'll either approve or disapprove.

When asked about his nick-name Fieldy's reply was, "When I was young I had these fuckin' chipmunk cheeks. So everyone started calling me 'Gopher'. Then it became 'Garr'. Then they started calling me 'Garfield'. Then it became 'Fieldy'.

Fieldy is also known for his love of alcohol. As seen in 'Who Then Now', he says," You always have to have ice coldy's in the fridge. If you want to go on tour with us, start drinkin'." When asked what he likes about touring the clubs, his reply is "the free beer."

In May 1998, Fieldy married his other love, his girlfriend Shela. They now have two daughters: Serena Rae and Olivia.

Fieldy uses the Ibanez Sound Gear series. "When I first started playing bass, I looked at the Ibanez because they were small, smaller than other basses, so that was the main reason. Then I played it, and it sounded better to me than all the others."

Fieldy might be a tough guy of the band on the outside but on the inside he's sensitive. "Just the other day watching our 'WHO then NOW?' video. It makes me cry every time when it gets intense. I cry over anything man. I don't care. When they told us Life Is Peachy debuted at Number Three on the charts (in the US), I just started crying. I cry over the stupidest shit. I can watch The Lion King and cry! It's fun, cleans your eyes out." "When was the last time you got in a fight? Shit, it's been year's man. Probably six years ago. I've almost fought Head (Korn's guitarist) a couple of times, but this was a long time ago. One time Head was yelling at me and he got really pissed off. This was back when we used to fight - we work differences out now. He threw a kick at me and I caught his leg and dragged him down the street, and he was like, 'Alright, it's cool!' Me and David (Silveria, Korn's drummer) also used to have our differences - bad. One time we were arguing and almost getting ready for a fist-fight. We were like, 'C'mon, fuck you! c'mon!', and Munky (Korn's guitarist) had the tape recorder on while we were doing it. We listened to it after we cooled down and we where just laughing so hard. You could hear how stupid we sounded. None of that shit happens now; we just laugh about shit."

West Coast Hip-Hop played a major part in his life; the inspiration, style, and the beats. Fieldy plans to release his own hip-hop LP titled, Fieldy's Dreams. "I listen to rap that's me it's all I listen to, but I love playing heavy music. I play heavy music every night. So listening to something different is my way of getting away."

Fieldy's advice on getting embarrassed is to do it in front of 20,000 people. "When we were at the LA Forum supporting Ozzy. I jumped of one of the monitors and landed face-first on my bass. I broke my bass and the whole arena got up and went 'Yeaahhhh!!!' It was like, 'Oh my god'. I don't think you can really embarrass yourself more than in front of 20,000 people. If you're going to make a ass of yourself I guess that's the best way to do it."

Fieldy's favorite food is sushi. When asked what which last meal want he replies, " All I can eat. I love sushi it's my favorite food. I don't think I wanna go out eating Taco Bell."

What advice would you have for a young player who might want to model their career after yours? "You've got to put everything aside, no matter how tired you are. Make it a priority, NOTHING else. Music has always got to be your main priority, don't let anything get in the way of it."

Reginald "Fieldy" Arvizu has given a world of young musicians someone to look up to. He will be remembered by millions of teenagers everywhere. While we hail his name, Fieldy! Fieldy!, he will truly be King Reginald Arvizu!!

David Sylveria

NAME: David Sylveria
INSTRUMENT:Drums,Percussion

BORN:September 21, 1972
MARTIAL STATUS:Married

David Silveria was born in Bakersfield, California, on September 21st.

David grew up in Bakersfield, where he learned how to play drums at the age of 9. "I think one of the reasons music became such an obsession for everyone in the band is that there just wasn't a whole lot to do where we lived."

James, Brian and Fieldy were looking for a drummer for their band. Fieldy says "I get a message on my answer machine from this kid. Davids like fuckin 13... 'hey you guys looking for a drummer'. So we called him up, tried him out...he was fuckin good man"

"David was like, so young, he used to have to get his mom to drop him off at practice" says Munky.

"They called me up. And I loaded up my drum kit into the car, and took it down to the studio, and it's been there ever since" says David.

David married Shannon Bellino in April, 1997, and tattooed her first name on his back. They have a son, David Jr., born on August 22, 1997. David supposedly has a penis fetish and usually when he signs things he makes a penis somewhere on it. Along with the aforementioned tattoo of his wife's name, David has three more tattoos: a cheshire cat, a guy sticking out his tongue that has a drum stick through it, and the Korn logo. He is described as the shy member of the band.When Jonathan Davis was asked about signatures from David he said: "He doesn't do that shit. He's shy. He like hides."David has a lucrative side job as a model. He has already completed a modelling assignment for skatepunk clothing company 26 Red. He proved such a hit that 26 Red's biggest rivals, Grind, have now also contracted Silveria to do a series of ads for them.

Of Jonathans lyrics David says "Personally, I didn't have a bad childhood, but I can relate as far as I've heard other stories and seen so many things that happen. And every time you turn on the TV, you hear the awful things that happen to children. I understand it all even though I didn't have a bad childhood. Some of the other issues...I understand, but he writes a lot about fighting with your own personal insides. I don't really have things like that going on in my head. I'm pretty at ease with myself and with my life."

Of David's influences he says "There's music that I like to listen to, but when it comes to writing our music, I don't really get influenced by anyone else's music. I get influenced as we write our music. The part comes up and it influences me to think a certain way about the part and about how to go about writing to it."

David's favorite song is B.B.K. When asked what 5 albums he'd like to be stranded on an island with he says "I'd say Filter's "Shortbus," Blondie's "Greatest Hits," Orgy's "Candyass," I guess our new record. Gotta be honest. Um...let me think. Probably Helmet's "Meantime." And Weezer's first album."