Come Together

Marcos Curiel, former guitarist for Chula Vista--based P.O.D., was asked to leave the Christian rap-core band in 2003. Fans bought four million copies of the first two P.O.D. albums on Atlantic (The Fundamental Elements of Southtown and Satellite). The band's third and fourth albums -- recorded without Curiel -- have not sold well. P.O.D. was released from Atlantic Records this summer.

Now, insiders say a major label is interested in signing the band; however, that contract offer is contingent on Curiel being part of the band. So, according to sources, Curiel has been asked to rejoin P.O.D.

Curiel had no comment about these latest developments. Earlier this year, as he settled a two-year-old lawsuit over unpaid royalties, Curiel did say, "I'm not a hater. I miss their friendship. I wish them all the luck."

A call to P.O.D. manager Tim Cook was not returned.

If P.O.D. does regroup with Curiel, what will happen with Jason Truby, the guitarist who replaced Curiel? What happens to Accident Experiment, the local band Curiel joined when he left P.O.D.? And, is there still a market for P.O.D.'s style of music?

P.O.D. claims it has sold seven million records worldwide. Yesterday, Rhino released a 17-track P.O.D. compilation titled Greatest Hits: The Atlantic Years.