Linkin Park forgive Korn guitarist after 'cowardly' remark about Chester Bennington

Guitarist apologised for remarks made shortly after news emerged that the Linkin Park singer had taken his own life

L-R: Korn band members James Shaffer, Brian Welch, Reginald Arvizu, and Ray Luzier at the 59th Grammy Awards (Getty Images)

Linkin Park appear to have forgiven Korn guitarist Brian "Head" Welch after his controversial remarks about the death of frontman Chester Bennington.

Welch received a backlash after claiming that suicide was "cowardly", barely a day after the news emerged that Bennington had taken his own life.

“Honestly, Chester's an old friend who we've hung with many times, and I have friends who are extremely close to him, but this is truly pissing me off!" he wrote at the time.

"How can these guys send this message to their kids and fans?! I'm sick of this suicide shit! I've battled depression/mental illness, and I'm trying to be sympathetic, but it's hard when you're pissed!

"Enough is enough! Giving up on your kids, fans, and life is the cowardly way out!!! [sic]."

Welch later apologised, writing: "I didn't mean to sound insensitive about Chester. Just dealing with a range of emotions today. Love you Chester. I'm pissed that you did this, but I know this could have been me back in the day after getting wasted one night."

Now, in a new Instagram post, he has confirmed that the Linkin Park crew have forgiven him for his remarks, as well as confirming that he will join his fellow Korn bandmate Jonathan Davis in performing at Linkin Park’s upcoming memorial concert for Bennington.

“When I heard the news about our friend Chester Bennington I was so sad, hurt and angry. In my shock and confusion I didn’t know how to process my feelings correctly,” he wrote.

“I spoke out from a broken heart and I want to thank the LP camp, and all of my friends and fans for the forgiveness, understanding and grace that was extended to me.

"I am honoured to celebrate Chester’s life with our boys in LP, their fans, and many of my friends and colleagues in the music industry."

The tribute concert for Bennington, who died on 20 July, will take at Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on 27 October, and will mark the first time the group’s surviving five members have performed together since Bennington’s death.

The band will be joined by a number of special guests, with the band’s fee for the show going to Music For Relief’s One More Light Fund.

Bring Me The Horizon frontman Oli Sykes took to Twitter to confirm his involvement. “I’m honoured to announce I’ll be performing w/ @LinkinPark in memory of Chester,” he wrote.

The tribute will also include members of Blink 182, Avenged Sevenfold and System of a Down.

*For confidential support on mental health call Samaritans free from any phone, at any time, on 116 123 (UK & RoI) or email jo@samaritans.org. In the US call 1-800-273-TALK or get confidential support and advice online