The acrimony between nü-metal pioneers Korn and their original drummer David Silveria hasn’t exactly been a secret over the years. Silveria sat behind the kit for the trailblazing band from 1993 through to 2006, ultimately leaving his post due to a back injury.
Bitterness between the two parties has spilled over into the public eye several times since, including Silveria publicly slamming members of the band, as well as their musical output. In 2019, he stated that he had apologized to them for his “immature” comments.
Tensions between the former bandmates took a big turn for the worse around 2015, when after unsuccessfully attempting to regain his position in the band in 2013, Silveria filed suit against Korn over a royalty dispute. Korn countersued with the legalities ending in a settlement.
The legal battles didn’t end there though, as early 2019 saw the band sue Silveria over another royalty dispute, in which Silveria was said to have taken issue his share of the group’s royalties. Korn claimed Silveria‘s actions were a violation of their past agreement they had reached with him. Silveria in turn countersued the band. Those lawsuits eventually ended in a settlement as well in November of 2019.
Despite the legalities in the years prior, in 2021, Korn guitarist Brian “Head” Welch admitted he “missed” Silveria, despite their publicized differences. Welch himself had previously also spent time away from the band due to his past battles with drug addiction.
Given these circumstances, it was somewhat surprising to see the group’s frontman Jonathan Davis directly mention Silveria on social media in his recent October 11th post reflecting on the 30th anniversary of Korn‘s self-titled debut album. Speaking on the pivotal record hitting that milestone, Davis stated:
“I can’t believe you’re 30 years old. I’m so proud of this record it changed so many things in my life. I remember my 24 year old self so nervous that I had opened my heart for the world to feel the pain I was going through at that time. It’s so incredible it helped so many with there journey through the darkness we all know so well. @ross_robinson thank you for capturing every emotional breath I took the sound of my teeth grinding from the tension in my body.
My brothers @munky_korn @brianheadwelch @fieldykorn @silveriadavid you guys gave me the most incredible music to do what I do. You guys made me feel safe and I’m forever grateful. To everyone that listened to this record I thank you with all my being. It gave me strength and this amazing feeling I wasn’t alone in all this.
Here’s to many more years!!!! I love you all”
Silveria himself took the time to share his thoughts on the anniversary yesterday, October 13th. Speaking via his Instagram, he offered:
“When I was 10yrs old I got my first drum set. That’s when I knew I wanted to play music for people everywhere. Then I met the guys and it all came true. But none of it would have happened without the fans all over the world. Thanks to you my childhood dream came true.
The right five guys came together at the perfect time and made history. I have the sincerest gratitude towards the guys for their amazing creativity, their absolute dedication and hard work and their commitment to the band. I love you guys so much! Thank you to all for giving me this amazing blessed life! 30yrs and it feels like yesterday! I love you all:):
Silveria also directly commented on Davis‘s aforementioned post, offering “This album was all love:)” Davis‘ public mention of bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu in the 30th anniversary post was also a seemingly rare public interaction, with Fieldy having been absent from the group since 2021.
