POD vocalist Sonny Sandoval explained the absence of his cousin and the band's drummer, Noah "Wuv" Bernardo , who hasn't participated in shows since 2021 and was absent from the recording of the group's new album, Veritas , released in May of this year.
Wuv's absence has been generating doubts among fans on social media about the musician's real situation with the band, which still includes Marcos Curiel on guitar and Traa Daniels on bass.
When asked in an interview (via United Rock Nations ), Sonny replied: “I wouldn’t say he’s no longer in the band. We’ve said this before, he’ll always be the drummer of this band. But we’re all going through things right now that require personal attention to delve into and figure everything out so we can get along.”
“He’s my cousin, he’s family. But we’re not trying to expose anyone’s business. We’re all grown men and we have to take responsibility for our own lives in order to understand things. And for some time now, there’s just been tension in the band.”
Even with the drummer's departure, Sonny still leaves the door open for his return: “But [Wuv] will always be the drummer of this band. The seat is his whenever he wants it. It's just that, I think after all these years, we all have to be on the same page mentally. So hopefully that happens sooner rather than later.”
Despite being on hiatus with POD, Wuv has remained active in the music world with the band StillWell , a project that includes Korn bassist Fieldy and rapper Q-Unique , in POD, the drummer has been replaced by Alex Lopez , former drummer of Suicide Silence , who is married to Tatiana Shmayluk , vocalist of Jinjer . Alex's involvement with the band led to Tatiana's participation on the new album with the single "Afraid To Die".
Sandoval comments on how the partnership with Alex began: “I think he contacted Marcos a while ago, just as friends, even if only to help out as a drum technician or do whatever. I think he was tired of the world he was in because he had been working hard for a long time. He's married to Tatiana, from Jinjer. And I think he and Marcos started dating. Tatiana showed up and instantly they all became part of the POD family, the Jinjer/POD family.”
When the time came for the band to go on tour, the vocalist revealed how the conversation with Lopez went: “'Hey, would you like to try? We need a drummer right now.' And then he helped us. He's been filling in for us for about two years now. But again, like I said, I love playing with Alex and it's been a lot of fun, but we're still waiting to see what happens with POD as a band. Maybe it's just the cycle of this album. Who knows? But in the meantime, Alex is amazing and he's such a talented drummer and, along with him, we got to know Tatiana and the whole Jinjer attitude. So it's been incredible.”
On tour to promote Veritas , the band returns to Brazil this month after seven years since their last visit. This will be the group's fifth time in the country, with shows in Curitiba (October 22nd) and Rio de Janeiro (October 23rd), in addition to a confirmed appearance on the second day of Knotfest Brasil , on the 20th, at Allianz Parque in São Paulo.
SERVICE
POD in Curitiba
Date: October 22, 2024
Address: Av. Mal. Floriano Peixoto, 1695 – Rebouças – Curitiba – PR
Venue: Tork N' Roll
Doors Open: 7 PM
Event Starts: 9 PM
Age Rating: 16+
Tickets: Showpass
Sales Link: https://showpass.com.br/comprar/1448
POD in Rio de Janeiro
Date: October 23, 2024
Address: Rua Sacadura Cabral, 154 – Rio de Janeiro – RJ
Venue: SACADURA 154
Doors Open: 8 PM
Event Starts: 10 PM
Age Rating: 16+
Tickets: Showpass
Sales Link: https://showpass.com.br/comprar/1447
Produced by: Rider2 and Numb Brasil Produções
READ ALSO: POD fans arrested after attempting to break into concert venue with car