Founding Korn bassist Fieldy has opened up on why he stepped away from the pioneering nu-metal band five years ago, this time offering the COVID pandemic as the main reason for his departure, adding that he didn’t get vaccinated.

Upon initially announcing his hiatus from the band in June 2021, Fieldy had stated that he had fallen back on “bad habits” after dealing with personal issues, suggesting some sort of relapse into substance abuse.

More than a year later, he clarified, “When I made the statement about my ‘bad habits,’ they weren’t drugs. It’s just, at the end of the day — I don’t condone this — but when I’m done with all my responsibilities, I have a Bud Light, or as many as I want, to tell you the truth.”

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Now, in a new interview with the YouTube channel Thatch Creative (as transcribed by ThePRP), Fieldy pointed to the COVID pandemic as the real reason he walked away from Korn.

“COVID happened. That’s it,” said Fieldy of his hiatus from the band, “I’m like, ‘I’m not going out there.’ That’s what happened, ’cause it was new. Now. I’m like… The whole time — I mean, I didn’t get vaccinated or anything — but when you reflect on it, that’s what happened. They’re like, ‘We’re going to Florida and all this.’ And I’m like, ‘I’m not going to get vaccinated.’ I’m not going. I go, ‘People, this is weird right now.’”

He added, “I mean that’s kind of what happened. But it gave me time to sit, and once you sit, you can reflect and you’re like, you’re kind of just waiting you know to what’s next, ’cause I don’t know what the rest of this day is going to bring. I’m just on fire for whatever, whatever is ready.”

Asked whether he’s retired from Korn, the bassist left it open to a potential return, saying, “I’m retired from Korn today, but we’ll see what the day brings tomorrow.”

Fieldy also shared some details about a new project with Sepultura drummer Greyson Nekrutman and Cypress Hill bassist Christian Olde Wolbers, saying they’ve got two rough songs done.

Watch the interview with Fieldy below.