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After an absence of nearly five years, P.O.D. is back on tour.
After an almost five-year hiatus, P.O.D. has returned full force, playing one of the largest rock music festivals of the year.
The band is getting up close and personal with fans by playing a smaller side stage of the Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival. But, that’s how P.O.D. likes it, according to lead singer Sonny Sandoval.
“There’s no restrictions, no stairs, and everyone can go nuts,” Sandoval said. “There is a more mellow crowd once they get to the main stage. They tend to sit back and relax.”
Sandoval added that the band also plays in the late afternoon when people are “rowdy.”
“The turnouts have been amazing,” Sandoval said.
Uproar audiences also will get to see longer performances by P.O.D. and main stage bands Shinedown, Godsmack, Staind and Adelitas Way after Papa Roach withdrew from the tour last month. Papa Roach lead singer Jacoby Shaddix was diagnosed with a nodule on his vocal cord and had to undergo surgery.
P.O.D. is mixing up its Uproar set list with familiar favorites and new songs such as “Lost in Forever,” from its recent release “Murdered Love.”
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Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival With P.O.D., Shinedown, Godsmack and Staind WHEN: 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30 WHERE: Hard Rock Casino Albuquerque presents The Pavilion, 5601 University SE HOW MUCH: $20-$85 at www.livenation.com |
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“We still try to keep it heavy and moving,” Sandoval said. “People want to have a fun show.”
P.O.D. took a break with the understanding that it would return to make another album.
“We wanted to do it with no pressure from anybody and make music again because we wanted to do it, lyrically and musically,” according to Sandoval.
The lyrics come from current experiences.
“Every record that we have done has been a journey for P.O.D.,” Sandoval said. “We write for the season that we are currently in. I don’t keep a journal of thoughts and poetry. We decide to put into songs everything that we are going through, good or bad, when we write together.”
Despite the fame and fortune, Sandoval said he remains grounded through constant prayer and finds strength in his faith. Those strong convictions resonate in “Higher,” an inspirational song off “Murdered Love.”
“In general, we are caught up in so many things whether it’s financial, political or religion or every day struggles,” Sandoval said of the song. “It takes us out of the presence of Almighty God and our journey of faith. I’m never where I want to be. The moment I feel I’m where I want to be, I’m fooling myself. I always want to walk with God and experience complete peace and joy.”
Reprint story -- Email the reporter at rmartinez@abqjournal.com. Call the reporter at 505-823-3920
