How Korn's James Shaffer Lost Part Of His Finger

Even the most negative life events can have unexpectedly profound effects, and the grisly accident that shifted Shaffer's childhood trajectory is no different. In addition to paving the way for the hobby that would kick-start his career, Shaffer's injury gave him something in common with one of his heroes — Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi.

"He cut his finger off, I cut my finger off, and he's a guitar player and there's a lot of respect," Shaffer said during an interview with Loudwire.

The injury was not just transformative for Shaffer, either. As a Kerrang! piece revealed, the injury also inspired The Mendenhall Experiment guitarist Brandon Mendenhall, who saw the Korn legend's story as a reason to continue pursuing his dreams of playing guitar despite a paralyzed left hand due to cerebral palsy.

Eventually, Mendenhall was able to live his dream of meeting Korn. According to the guitarist, Shaffer encouraged him to continue playing his instrument in the face of the perpetual adversity he faces from his movement disorder. As reported by Ignite Music Magazine, the pair went on the jam in the studio together for a recording session that led to The Mendenhall Experiment's 2020 song, "Prosthetic."

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