Deftones Bassist Sergio Vega Parts Ways With The Band
Wednesday, 09 March 2022
Written by Jon Stickler
Deftones have parted ways with longtime bassist Sergio Vega.
The musician revealed the news in a video statement posted to Instagram, confirming that he left early in 2021, having been with the band since 1998, becoming a session musician and songwriter in 2009. He has featured on Deftones' last four albums, the latest being 2020's 'Ohms'.
The announcement comes as the band's official Spotify has uploaded a new press shot (above) without Vega. Read the full statement below:
"To give a brief history about me and my friendship with Deftones. We met in 1995. I filled in for Chi [Cheng], rest in peace, in 1999 and was asked to work with the band after his tragedy in 2009. Because of the love they have for Quicksand, I was asked to bring the same approach as a songwriter and arranger to them as well.
"I was also told that similarly to Frank [Delgado, Turntables] I will be brought in over time to become an official member. I had worked with the band for 12 years, and at the start of every album cycle, I asked about becoming an official member, but the contract would be improved instead.
"COVID was a breaking point for a lot of people. And I started to question my place in the band, and the future that I wanted for my career. I really started to need something stable because at that point my contract with them was cancelled. One day I got a call from the guys about an internal band situation, and they asked me if I was solid, and that I would have to fly out to LA to help work it out. Right away. I said, 'Of course, I was all in, and we can handle my situation later, but I can’t go back to my old contract.' Our respective management had a conversation to discuss a new contract, and they offered me the same deal. At that point, it was clear there was no opportunity for growth for me, so I declined the offer. And then I call the guys immediately to see where the miscommunication was to resolve it, but there was no response.
"A couple of days later, I received an email from their lawyer that their offer was withdrawn, and that they wished me the best. So I left the band early last year, and since then I’ve been focused on my band Quicksand as well as working as a producer and writer for other artists and projects. And I’m mentioning this because there was some speculation about me selling my gear and quitting music altogether.
"Out of respect for the people who have held tickets for this tour the past couple of years and everyone who supports the band, I felt it important to bring some clarity to the situation. Lots of love and thanks to Deftones‘ amazing fanbase for always being engaged and supportive of the band through good times and bad. I appreciate every single one of you. All my love to the fans that have become friends, the people that have supported my other projects. It brought me so much joy to see Deftones shirts at Quicksand shows land I will cherish this forever.
"Lastly, thanks so much to the ‘Tones. I wish they had the chance to tell you this in person. I want you to know that I appreciate all the years we spent together, writing, performing, being taken into your worlds. I learned a lot from each one of you when you brought me in, you created a new sense of passion for music that I will always cherish and carry with me. You truly changed my life."
Deftones will embark on a rescheduled North American tour in support of 'Ohms' this spring. Opening the shows will be French metal titans Gojira.
Thu April 14 2022 - PORTLAND Oregon - Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center (USA)
Sat April 16 2022 - SEATTLE - WaMu Theater - Seattle (USA)
Mon April 18 2022 - SAN FRANCISCO California - Bill Graham Civic Auditorium (USA)
Wed April 20 2022 - LOS ANGELES - Greek Theatre - Los Angeles (USA)
Fri April 22 2022 - LAS VEGAS Nevada - Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas (USA)
Sat April 23 2022 - PHOENIX Arizona - Arizona Federal Theatre (USA)
Mon April 25 2022 - DENVER Colorado - Ball Arena (USA)
Thu April 28 2022 - ALBUQUERQUE New Mexico - Isleta Amphitheater (USA)
Sat April 30 2022 - HOUSTON Texas - White Oak Music Hall (USA)
Mon May 02 2022 - IRVING Texas - Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory (USA)
Tue May 03 2022 - SAN ANTONIO Texas - AT&T Center (USA)
Fri May 06 2022 - ATLANTA Georgia - Chastain Park Amphitheatre (USA)
Sat May 07 2022 - NASHVILLE Tennessee - Nashville Municipal Auditorium (USA)
Sun May 08 2022 - CINCINNATI Ohio - Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center (USA)
Tue May 10 2022 - INDIANAPOLIS Indiana - TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park (USA)
Wed May 11 2022 - PITTSBURGH Pennsylvania - Petersen Events Center (USA)
Fri May 13 2022 - BOSTON Massachusetts - Agganis Arena (USA)
Sat May 14 2022 - ASBURY PARK New Jersey - Stone Pony (USA)
Sun May 15 2022 - NEW YORK New York - Rooftop at Pier 17 (USA)
Tue May 17 2022 - WASHINGTON District of Columbia - Anthem (USA)
Wed May 18 2022 - PHILADELPHIA Pennsylvania - Met Philadelphia (USA)
Thu May 19 2022 - UNCASVILLE - Mohegan Sun Arena-CT (USA)
Sat May 21 2022 - LAVAL Quebec - Place Bell (Canada)
Sun May 22 2022 - TORONTO Ontario - RBC Echo Beach (Canada)
Tue May 24 2022 - STERLING HEIGHTS - Freedom Hill Amphitheater (USA)
Thu May 26 2022 - MILWAUKEE - Rave-Eagles Club (USA)
Fri May 27 2022 - CHICAGO Illinois - Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island (USA)
Sat May 28 2022 - MINNEAPOLIS Minnesota - Armory - Minneapolis (USA)
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