P.O.D. have had six official members since the San Diego band formed in 1992. The current line-up is vocalist Sonny Sandoval, drummer Wuv Bernardo, bassist Traa Daniels and guitarist Marcos Curiel, the same four who made The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and Satellite. The two former members are original bassist Gabe Portillo and guitarist Jason Truby, who covered for Curiel from 2003 to 2006. Bernardo has been on hiatus from touring since 2021, with substitute drummers on the road.
Here is every member, with roles and years as the band’s own member list gives them, followed by the touring musicians.
Sonny Sandoval – Lead Vocals (1992–present)
Paul Joshua “Sonny” Sandoval fronted a rap group called Unlicensed Product before Eschatos, the thrash band of Bernardo, Curiel and Portillo, recruited him on vocals in 1992 to become P.O.D.
Wuv Bernardo – Drums, Additional Guitar, Backing Vocals (1992–present; on hiatus since 2021)
Noah “Wuv” Bernardo co-founded the band from Eschatos. His father, Noah Bernardo Sr., created Rescue Records, the band’s first label. He has been on hiatus since 2021, with Jon “Jonny Beats” Young, Alex Lopez and, since 2024, Zachary Christopher substituting on drums.
Traa Daniels – Bass, Backing Vocals (1993–present)
Mark “Traa” Daniels joined when the band needed a bassist for shows after Portillo’s departure, and has stayed ever since.
Marcos Curiel – Guitar, Programming, Backing Vocals (1992–2003, 2006–present)
A co-founder from Eschatos, Curiel left on February 19, 2003, over his side project The Accident Experiment and what the band called spiritual differences, though Curiel said he was kicked out. He returned on December 30, 2006, the same day the band announced that Jason Truby had left.
Jason Truby – Guitar, Programming, Backing Vocals (2003–2006)
Truby replaced Curiel in 2003 and played on Payable on Death (2003) and Testify (2006) before leaving at the end of 2006.
Gabe Portillo – Bass, Backing Vocals (1992–1993)
The original bassist, from the Eschatos line-up, who left in the band’s first year.
Touring Musicians
- Zachary Christopher – drums (2024–present; substitute for Bernardo)
- Alex Lopez – drums (2022–2024; substitute for Bernardo)
- Jon “Jonny Beats” Young – drums (2018–2022; substitute for Bernardo)
- Ryan Flores – bass (2022; substitute for Daniels)
- Tim Pacheco – backing vocals, percussion, trumpet, keyboards (2006, 2021)
- Luis Castillo – keyboards, backing vocals, percussion (2011–2016, 2021)
- Sameer Bhattacharya – keyboards, backing vocals (2016–2018)
P.O.D. Line-Up Changes at a Glance
- 1992: Sandoval joins Bernardo, Curiel and Portillo; Eschatos becomes P.O.D.
- 1993: Daniels replaces Portillo on bass.
- 2003: Curiel leaves; Truby joins.
- 2006: Truby leaves and Curiel returns on the same day, December 30.
- 2021: Bernardo goes on hiatus; substitute drummers tour with the band.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are the members of P.O.D.? Sonny Sandoval, Wuv Bernardo, Traa Daniels and Marcos Curiel.
- Who played guitar on “Youth of the Nation”? Marcos Curiel, who was in the band for Satellite (2001) before leaving in 2003.
- Is Wuv Bernardo still in P.O.D.? He is still a member but has been on hiatus since 2021, with substitute drummers on tour.
- What does P.O.D. stand for? Payable on Death.
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