With My Eyes Wide Open: Miracles & Mistakes on My Way Back to KoRn

Brian "Head" Welch · Carol Traver

May 2016 · HarperChristian + ORM

About this ebook

He left KoRn to help himself. He went back to help others. And along the way, he nearly lost everything.

A life-changing spiritual awakening freed Brian “Head” Welch from a stranglehold of drugs and alcohol and prompted him to leave the highly successful nu-metal band KoRn in 2005. What followed was a decade-long trial by fire, from the perils of fathering a teen lost in depression and self-mutilation to the harsh realities of playing solo and surviving the shattering betrayal of a trusted friend. In this intensely inspiring redemption saga, perhaps most inspiring is Brian’s radical decision to rejoin KoRn and reconcile with the tribe of people he once considered family in the metal music scene.

Brian returned to his musical roots with a clear head and a devoted heart. Though his story is wild, hilarious, and deeply poignant, the message is simple: God will love you into the freedom of being yourself, as long as you keep the relationship going and never, ever quit.

Ratings and reviews

I've been a Christian for most of my life, but reading how Jesus has worked and continues to work in the lives of others never fails to move me to tears. I've had my share of struggles and the past year has been filled with depression and suffering, but reading this has reminded me just how faithful God is even in the hardest times. Brian, I don't know if you'll ever read this, but if you do, know that I'm really looking forward to meeting you someday, whether here on earth or together with Jesus. Rock on!

I'm not a very religious person, but I loved this book. I have been a KoRn fan for 22 years. I had posters and pictures all over my wall throughout high school. So, when Head left Korn I was devastated. Why Head, WHY?! "With My Eyes Wide Open" is the answer to that. It is a story of his trials and tribulation after he left a band that was on top of the world. It's so easy to say "what do they have to complain about?". It's hard to picture someone, that has more money than most of us will see in a lifetime, as a person with real problems. In this book, he opens up about being taken advantage of by shady business deals. From having millions of dollars and fancy cars, to hunting for change in the couch. All this while trying to raise a daughter with her own problems (and rats). Through the whole ordeal, the one constant was his faith. Brian's book does for faith and love, what Steven King does for horror. It makes you FEEL it. I have never before read a book that made tears well up in my eyes. The way Brian describes his struggles makes you feel like you are sitting in a room with him one-on-one. He doesn't write as an author so much as he writes like a talker. The book was a very quick read. I had it finished in 2 days. It will be a book that I will read again. This is the first of his books that I have read and it has sparked my interest to read the others. It had plenty of messages of faith and God, but I didn't feel overwhelmed like he was knocking at my door and trying to sell me God. I have faith, not much, but it's there. With Brian's music and his writing, he helps me to maintain the little I have left. That, in and of itself, is not an easy accomplishment. But Brian pulls it off. Would I recommend this book to others? Absolutely! It has, humor, suffering, faith, a positive message, and KoRn! What is not to like? I feel that this story has made me a better person and it will continue to work wonders for anyone who reads it. It was,by far, worth the time spent reading it.

This is a very inspiring story of a man's journey through some of life's faith shaking hardballs, coming straight from the author's heart. Despite going through trying ordeal after trying ordeal, Brian "Head" Welch's faith in God has never once faltered. This book will definitely open up your mind and warm your heart. A must read for everyone everywhere. If you're ever going through hardships of your own and your faith needs refreshing, I absolutely recommend this book.

About the author

Brian “Head” Welch is the cofounder and lead guitarist of the Grammy Award–winning, multi-platinum metal band KoRn. He is also the bestselling author of the book Save Me from Myself. He lives in Nashville, TN.