BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Brian “Head” Welch, ex-guitarist for rock band Korn will make a rare public appearance on Aug. 1 at Bakersfield’s Russo’s Books at the Marketplace. He will be at the store to promote his memoir, “Save Me From Myself: How I Found God, Quit Korn, Kicked Drugs, and Lived to Tell My Story.”

Lead guitarist for Bakersfield band Korn for more than 10 years, Welch suddenly quit the band in early 2005. He cited a personal salvation in Jesus Christ, claiming only God could take him away from the controversial world famous band and a personal life of methamphetamine addiction.

In a recent article in the Christian Post, Welch said, “I got hooked on methamphetamines the last two years I was in Korn, and I did meth everyday. I wanted to quit [but] I couldn’t quit. I tried to quit. I went to rehab, and I just couldn’t quit.

“[One night I prayed] ‘Lord, if You’re real … please take these drugs from me. Make them go away. Reveal Yourself to me and all that.’ I think in a week or two, I got the urge to throw away all my drugs with the help of a friend. I was done.”

Welch’s popularity after breaking off from Korn hasn’t waned. “Save Me From Myself” reached the top 20 on the New York Times Best Seller list after only being released for one week.

Welch’s MySpace site for “Save Me From Myself” boasts over 8,500 friends and has links to his current book tour.

Mike Russo of Russo’s said “the publisher just confirmed with us on Friday,” which makes the Brian “Head” Welch appearance a large event for being so close to the recent July 21 Harry Potter book release.

Book Signing: August 1, 4 p.m. Russo’s at the Marketplace, 9000 Ming Avenue. Brian “Head” Welch home page: www.headtochrist.com