Thirty Years into their career, San Diego legends P.O.D. continue to hit the stage like they’ve got something to prove. “We feel like Rodney Dangerfield sometimes, no respect,” laughs guitarist Marcos Cruiel. But the energy, authenticity, and hunger that defined the band from the start has never left.
We got to sit down with Marcos at Welcome to Rockville to talk about PRS guitars, the refusal to be pigeonholed, and how they keep throwing it down after so many years. Check out the interview now!
Staying True to the Sound
From their early days in a garage to headlining festivals across the globe, P.O.D. has always resisted being boxed into one genre. Critics tagged them as nu metal, christian rock, even positive music, but these are labels that never quite captured their full picture
“We’re probably the truest form of rock and roll there is,” Cruiel explains. “We grew up listening to Santana, Bob Marley, U2 — why couldn’t we bring those influences into our sound? We’ve got punk, reggae, hip-hop, funk, and it all comes naturally. That’s P.O.D.”
That blend of influences gives the band their unmistakable identity. “Whether you love us or hate us, you know who P.O.D. is. You can’t take that away.”
Anthems That Outlast Trends
Few bands can claim songs that cross cultures and generations. “Youth of the Nation,” released back in 2001, still resonates with audiences worldwide.
“We didn’t plan for it,” says Cruiel. “It was inspired by something that happened a mile from our studio. But now, no matter if we’re in Brazil, Japan, or Mexico City, people sing it back in English. That’s powerful.”
P.O.D’s catalog is packed with hits, from “Boom” to their recent single “Afraid to Die.” The challenge these days? Fitting them all into a setlist.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Long before “features” became standard in rock, P.O.D. embraced collaboration. “This came from our love of hip-hop,” Curiel says. “We had HR from Bad Brains and Eek-a-Mouse on our records. Labels didn’t get it at first, but now everyone’s doing it.”
Their most recent collab pairs P.O.D. with A.N.I.M.A.L.’s Andrés Giménez, delivering an English-Spanish version of one of the band’s new tracks. For Curiel, it’s simple: ”We’re just fans of music. When we respect someone, we want to work with them.”
The PRS Connection
For Curiel, PRS guitars have been a lifelong inspiration. “As a kid, PRS was the Rolls Royce at Guitar Center. I’d look up at the wall, Wayne’s World style, and think, ‘One day, it will be mine.’”
Today, he’s not only a proud PRS artist but also a creator of one-of-a-kind instruments. His custom PRS, hand-painted by tattoo artist Chuy Espinoza, is more than just a tool, it's a work of art. “I’ve been offered $15,000 for it, but it’s priceless. That guitar is my baby.”
Marcos Curiel and P.O.D. - Still Chugging Along
From sharing stage with Godsmack in Europe to headlining festivals across the Americas, P.O.D. keeps proving why their music endures. “We’re like a steel freight train,” Curiel says. “Trends come and go, but we keep chugging."
As long as the band’s passion and their hearts keep beating, Curiel promises the ride isn’t slowing down.
From garage dreams to global stages, P.O.D.’s story proves the power of authenticity and the right gear to back it up. Special thanks to Marcos Curiel for sitting down with the AMS team!
For more exclusive artist interviews and gear spotlights, stay tuned to the American Musical Supply YouTube Channel. And if you want to get your hands on the same guitars Marcos plays, explore the full lineup of PRS guitars and find your sound today right here at AMS.
