Korn

Between the Nineties and the Noughties Korn became one of the most popular alternative rock bands and helped to make the nu-metal genre one of the most prominent of the early 2000s. Members of former band L.A.P.D. recruited Brian Welch and Jonathan Davis to form Korn, based in Bakersfield California. The band's first single, Blind, received considerable airplay in the US and as a result the band gained popularity, embarking on an intense schedule of live shows throughout the States. Their dynamic live shows helped them to build a dedicated fanbase, and they entered the Billboard 100 at Number 76 with Shoots and Ladders in 1996. The band went on to support Ozzy Osborne on his US tour, as well as opening for Megadeth and Fear Factory, and from this gained widespread fame. They continue with frequent live performances, which have gained cult popularity for the band members' on-stage antics, including wearing black jumpsuits and animal masks. In 2005 Brian "Head" Welch left the band to pursue his religious beliefs and spend more time being a father.