P.O.D.

P.O.D., an abbreviation for Payable on Death, is an American nu metal band formed in San Diego, California, in 1992. The band’s consistent lineup includes vocalist Paul Joshua “Sonny” Sandoval, bassist Mark “Traa” Daniels, lead guitarist Marcos Curiel, and drummer Noah “Wuv” Bernardo. Pre-dating P.O.D., Sonny Sandoval fronted a rap/hip-hop group called Unlicensed Product in 1991, while Bernardo, Curiel, and Gabe Portillo were part of a thrash metal band named Eschatos. In 1992, Sandoval joined Eschatos, which Bvu Bernardo believed would help Sandoval process the recent death of his mother. They subsequently renamed the group Payable on Death, a term suggested by Bernardo’s girlfriend who worked in banking. This name was later shortened to P.O.D. That same year, they recorded their first song, “Three In the Power of One,” which was later featured on their debut studio album, “Snuff the Punk.”

In 1994, Traa Daniels joined P.O.D. as the bassist, replacing Portillo, for live performances. P.O.D. signed with Rescue Records, a label founded by Noah Bernardo Sr., who also served as the band’s initial manager. Under Rescue Records, the band released three albums between 1994 and 1997: “Snuff the Punk,” “Brown,” and “Payable on Death Live.” Industry professional Tim Cook first encountered the band when booking them for a performance at his venue, The Where-House in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Cook was impressed by their live performance, noting it as a significant experience. Bernardo Sr. sought to advance the band’s career, leading Cook to assume management responsibilities. Following a period of independent success and significant live performances, P.O.D. secured a major-label deal with Atlantic Records in 1998, under the guidance of A&R John Rubeli. This period marked a transition for the band, demonstrating a methodical progression in their career trajectory.

After signing with Atlantic, P.O.D. released “The Warriors EP,” an EP dedicated to their fanbase. Their third studio album, “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown,” released in 1999, achieved mainstream success with hit singles “Southtown” and “Rock the Party (Off the Hook).” “Rock the Party (Off the Hook)” reached No. 1 on MTV’s Total Request Live, and all three music videos received extensive airplay on MTV2. The album attained RIAA platinum certification. On September 11, 2001, P.O.D. released their fourth major album, “Satellite,” which featured the singles “Alive” and “Youth of the Nation.” “Alive” was one of MTV’s most-played videos, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Hard Rock Performance in 2002. “Youth of the Nation,” influenced by school shootings, also received a Grammy nomination in 2003 for Best Hard Rock Performance. “Boom” and “Satellite” from the same album also gained significant popularity. “Satellite” achieved RIAA triple-platinum certification, highlighting P.O.D.’s substantial commercial impact.