Bassist Sergio Vega is longer in Sacramento, California-based alt/art rock/metal band Deftones. Vega, who also performs in post-hardcore band Quicksand, began playing with Deftones in 2009, replacing Chi Cheng (RIP). Vega contributed to four Deftones albums: ‘Diamond Eyes’ (2010), ‘Koi No Yokan’ (2012), ‘Gore’ (2016) and ‘Ohms’ (2020) until apparently departing the band in early 2021.
Rumors of Vega’s departure from Deftones began when the band recently posted an updated promo photo on Spotify featuring the four core members of the band, and sans Vega. Vega officially announced his exit from the band last night, March 8th, with a video message on Instagram. Read the full statement, as transcribed by Blabbermouth, and see the full video below.
“Hi everybody. I hope this finds you well. I didn’t wanna have to make a video about this, but after the recent band photo posted on DEFTONES’ Spotify, I feel the need to clear the air. I’m not very good at this, so I wrote out a statement and I will read it to you now.
To give a brief history about me and my friendship with DEFTONES. We met in 1995. I filled in for [late DEFTONES bassist] 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, DEFTONES keyboardist and turntablist], I would 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 canceled. 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 L.A. 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 called 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 e-mail 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 and 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 are getting ready to embark on their rescheduled North American trek with Gojira starting in mid-April. No word yet on who will replace Vega, as Deftones have not issued a statement on the matter as of this post. See all upcoming tour dates below.
Tour Dates:
4/14 Portland, OR @ Veterans Memorial Coliseum [TIX]
4/16 Seattle, WA @ WaMu Theatre [TIX]
4/18 San Francisco, CA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium [TIX]
4/20 Los Angeles, CA ! Greek Theatre
4/22 Las Vegas, NV @ The Cosmopolitan [TIX]
4/23 Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre [TIX]
4/25 Denver, CO @ Ball Arena
4/28 Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheatre [TIX]
4/30 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
5/02 Irving, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory [TIX]
5/03 San Antonio, TX @ AT & T Center [TIX]
5/06 Atlanta, GA @ Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park [TIX]
5/07 Nashville, TN @ Municipal Auditorium [TIX]
5/08 Cincinnati, OH @ ICON Music Center [TIX]
5/10 Indianapolis, IN @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park [TIX]
5/11 Pittsburgh, PA @ Petersen Events Center [TIX]
5/13 Boston, MA @ Agganis Arena [TIX]
5/14 Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage [TIX]
5/15 New York City, NY @ Pier 17 [TIX]
5/17 Washington DC @ The Anthem [TIX]
5/18 Philadelphia, PA @ The Met [TIX]
5/19 Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Arena [TIX]
5/21 Laval, QC @ Place Bell [TIX]
5/22 Toronto, ON @ Echo Beach [TIX]
5/24 Detroit, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill [TIX]
5/26 Milwaukee, WI @ Eagles Ballroom
5/27 Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island [TIX]
5/28 Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory [TIX]
Concert photo by Dylan Lappin
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