Korn Guitarist to Temporarily Sit Out of Band’s North American Tour

Guitarist James Shaffer (Munky) of Korn Performing in 2013. Image by Will Ireland/Future Publishing/Shutterstock (2713031ho)

Korn guitarist James Munky Shaffer will miss five shows of the group’s North American tour for a very good reason. 

Munky shared on social media he decided to sit out the shows because he and his wife await the birth of their third-born, a daughter.

“Since our family is waiting any day now for the birth of our daughter, I won’t be performing starting on Tuesday, August 6 through Sunday, August 11,” he wrote. “I’ll be back in Detroit. I’m going to miss you all very much on those dates.”

Joining the band temporarily is JR Bareis, who played alongside Brian “Head” Welch in his Love and Death band and was also a member of Islander and also played with the band Spoken.

“But, you’re in great hands with our close friend and brother J.R. Bareis who is filling in for me,” he added, “and of course the rest of Korn who will carry the load. Thank you to all of our fans for your understanding and support!”

Bareis will sit in for the band’s performances in Wantagh (N.Y.), Holmdel (N.J.), Mansfield (Mass.), Hartford (Ct.) and Saratoga Springs (N.Y.).