The debate surrounding a potential reunion involving original members of SEPULTURA has intensified further after a direct response from Gloria Cavalera, Max Cavalera’s wife and manager, who has disputed claims that any formal contact was made regarding the band’s farewell plans.
The discussion originally stemmed from comments made by guitarist Andreas Kisser in a Metal Hammer interview, where he stated that both he and the band’s management had attempted to reach out to founding members Max Cavalera and Igor Cavalera about appearing at the group’s final show in São Paulo. Kisser described efforts that included a personal phone call with Igor and additional communication through management channels, though he acknowledged that the Cavalera brothers ultimately declined involvement.
Kisser explained that contact was made both personally and through management channels: “We’re still in the middle of [arranging] everything, but it’s going to be great,” Kisser said when asked what SEPULTURA have planned for their final concert, which is set to take place in São Paulo on an as-yet-undisclosed date.
He continued: “We did invite the Cavalera brothers. I spoke to Igor personally on a phone call a few months ago and we started some communication. Even our managers went to talk to their management and stuff. But, they don’t want to be a part of it, and that’s OK. It’s a choice.”
Kisser added that the invitation came from a desire to celebrate the band’s legacy in a unified way, particularly for longtime fans: “it would make sense to have a celebration at the end, for the fans, and just to enjoy ourselves onstage”: “[It could be] like it was on [1996 album and Max’s final SEPULTURA recording] Roots, you know? Despite all the f**king crazy stuff around it, we managed to make that album and finish what we had to do, you know?”
However, the situation took a new turn after Gloria Cavalera issued a public response disputing those claims. According to her, neither she nor Max Cavalera nor their team were ever contacted regarding any reunion or participation in the farewell show.
She addressed the matter directly on Facebook, writing: “For everybody out there whose asses got lit on fire today by fake headlines, just so you know no one ever contacted me and no one ever contacted Max. End of story. Go about your day.”
Her statement directly contradicts Kisser’s version of events, adding further confusion to the already emotionally charged farewell period for the band.
Meanwhile, SEPULTURA are continuing to shape their farewell run with a series of unique performances. The band recently revealed that their appearance at Rock in Rio on September 5, 2026 will feature a setlist exclusively focused on the Derrick Green era.
In a statement, the band explained: “Opening the World Stage on September 5th, SEPULTURA brings to Rock City an unprecedented and exclusive show, playing only songs from the Derrick Green era, showcasing the power of one of the greatest Brazilian and world metal bands.
“The band bids farewell to the festival’s history with a performance that carries a unique significance: it will be their last show at Rock in Rio and the penultimate of their world tour, before their final performance in São Paulo.”
This approach means fans shouldn’t expect early classics like “Roots Bloody Roots,” “Territory,” or “Arise,” as the set will spotlight material released after Green joined the band in 1997.
Green, who has now spent nearly three decades fronting SEPULTURA, joined following Max Cavalera’s departure in 1996—one of the most defining moments in the group’s history. Igor remained with the band for another decade before eventually leaving as well, later reuniting with his brother in CAVALERA CONSPIRACY.
SEPULTURA launched their farewell tour on March 1, 2024, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, marking a new chapter that also introduced drummer Greyson Nekrutman, formerly of SUICIDAL TENDENCIES.
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