For legions of Korn devotees worldwide, the hope of seeing the classic lineup reunited on stage remains a persistent whisper. However, that whisper has been met with a firm, though not entirely final, muting from the man himself: Reginald “Fieldy” Arvizu. In a recent laid-back chat on The Dr. Greenthumb Show, Korn’s iconic bassist addressed the ever-present question of his return, and while he left a sliver of possibility shimmering in the distance, his immediate intentions are clear: he won’t be slapping that signature low end with his former bandmates anytime soon.
Responding directly to a fan’s query, Fieldy offered a characteristically understated reply: “I won’t be playing any shows, but we’ll see what tomorrow brings. You never know. But for now, no. I’ve got plenty to do.” This carefully worded statement, while not a definitive farewell, certainly pours cold water on any near-term reunion fantasies.
Fieldy stepped back from the nu-metal behemoth in 2021, citing the need for personal time and space. Interestingly, despite his absence from live performances, his distinctive basslines still pulsed through Korn’s 2022 offering, Requiem. Since then, Ra Díaz of Suicidal Tendencies has seamlessly filled the bass void on stage, ensuring Korn’s relentless touring schedule and momentum haven’t skipped a beat.
Earlier this year, in a candid conversation with Basement Talk, Fieldy dropped a surprising revelation: he hadn’t actually spoken with his Korn brethren since 2019 – a full two years before his public announcement. “They’re truckin’. They’re a machine. They’re going,” he observed at the time. “It’s insane. It’s dope that they can keep on going like that. It’s cool to see them keep on going, but I need to chill.”
This ambiguity surrounding Fieldy’s long-term status creates a fertile ground for speculation. While he clearly holds a degree of admiration for Korn’s continued success, his statements underscore a desire to prioritize his personal life and potentially explore other creative avenues. Meanwhile, Korn has demonstrated their resilience and ability to forge ahead, maintaining their status as a formidable force in the metal landscape without their founding bassist.
The looming question now hangs over Korn’s future studio endeavors. Will Fieldy contribute to the writing or recording of their next album? Or will Ra Díaz, who has capably held down the live fort, step into a more permanent role in the studio?
For the time being, the signals point towards an ongoing hiatus. Whether this is a temporary pause or a more permanent parting of ways remains an open question. Fieldy may not be gracing the stage with Korn, but his impact on their legacy is undeniable. And for many fans, the hope for his eventual return, however distant it may seem right now, will undoubtedly continue to flicker.
Writer and extreme metal devotee, Ialdagorth has spent over a decade covering the darkest corners of heavy music. A black metal lifer, he spends his free time wandering the Carpathian Mountains, likely humming blast beats to the trees.
