Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu has once again addressed his long-standing absence from KORN, offering fans a clearer understanding of why he stepped away from the band back in 2021. While his hiatus has remained a topic of speculation for years, a recently resurfaced interview sheds new light on the situation and his current mindset.
Speaking alongside his former L.A.P.D. bandmate Richard Morrill on the Shady Characters podcast, Fieldy pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as the turning point that led to his decision to step back from touring and band activities.
“COVID happened. That’s it,” he said (as transcribed by thePRP). “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,” he continued. “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.”
Beyond the immediate circumstances, Fieldy also reflected on the natural evolution of bands and how lineups tend to shift over time.
“That’s what it is. You see bands, and bands kind of just go through these motions,” Fieldy said. “This isn’t anything new. I mean, from L.A.P.D. to all these bands. I mean, [RED HOT] 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.”
When asked directly about his current status with KORN, Fieldy kept things open-ended, suggesting that while he’s not involved right now, the future isn’t entirely closed off.
“I’m retired from KORN today, but we’ll see what the day brings tomorrow.”
Fieldy officially stepped away from KORN in 2021, citing personal reasons and the need to address what he called “bad habits.” While fans were initially concerned, he clarified that these issues were not related to drug use. Despite his physical absence from the band, Fieldy still contributed bass to KORN’s 2022 album Requiem.
During his hiatus, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES’ Ra Díaz has been handling bass duties for live shows, ensuring that the band’s touring momentum remained uninterrupted. Even so, Fieldy has technically remained a part of KORN’s official lineup, though public sightings with his bandmates have been rare.
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