Metal Anarchy

Korn bassist Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu has shared more information regarding his decision to step away from the band. The musician, who initially claimed he was taking a break from the group to deal with some “bad habits,” has since revealed that his decision was related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fieldy said the following amid a joint interview with his former L.A.P.D. bandmate Richard Morrill on the Shady Characters podcast:

“COVID happened. That’s it. I’m like, ‘I’m not going out there.’ That’s what happened, ’cause it was new. Now. I’m like… The whole time — I mean, I didn’t get vaccinated or anything — but when you reflect on it, that’s what happened. They’re like, ‘We’re going to Florida and all this.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not going to get vaccinated.’ I’m not going. I go, ‘People, this is weird right now.’

But I mean that’s kind of what happened. But it gave me time to sit, and once you sit, you can reflect and you’re like, you’re kind of just waiting you know to what’s next, ’cause I don’t know what the rest of this day is going to bring. I’m just on fire for whatever, whatever is ready.”

He went on to discuss the perspective he gained from exiting a project he invested years into:

“That’s what it is. You see bands, and bands kind of just go through these motions. This isn’t anything new. I mean, from L.A.P.D. to all these bands. I mean, Chili Peppers have Flea and Anthony [Kiedis], you know? It just happens like that sometimes. A lot of bands — not sometimes, almost every time. It’s rare that all the same [members stay in a band.]

Man, I look back at my life and like, you know, almost 30 years with Korn, that was a blast, man. I mean, it was… I can’t explain it. It’s like you’re going on you’re going to the ultimate [thrill]… It’s not easy. But it is a blast. I don’t look back going, ‘That sucked.’

I mean, I could look at it and complain, but how are you going to complain? That was everything everybody dreams of. And I got to go almost like a vet. I put in 30 years and now here I am. You know? it’s like I’m cool with that.”

He continued when asked if he’s “retired”:

“I’m retired from Korn today, but we’ll see what the day brings tomorrow.”

On another note, Fieldy also commented on a photo that sparked rumors of a new project with Sepultura drummer Greyson Nekrutman and former Fear Factory bassist Christian Olde Wolbers:

“I’m doing another project. We got two rough songs done with Greyson [Nekrutman] from Sepultura on drums. He’s a sick drummer… He’s like a jazz drummer. He can play the old school jazz way, but fast. Like that guy, that guy’s an insane drummer. He’s one of the sickest drummers I’ve ever worked with. And you know what? Every drummer I worked with is dope. David Silveria, Ray [Luzier, Korn drummer] Mikey [Bordin] from Faith No More and Ozzy, who else did we work with? Brooks Wackerman.”

He also added that him and guitarist Sean Olsen sent a song to Morrill to work on for the “rough project.”

[via The PRP]