Drummer Jason Bonham has confirmed that he has left Sammy Hagar’s band.
Bonham shared the tour dates for his band JBLZE [Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening] on Instagram. In the caption, he mentioned that the band would perform songs he hasn’t played since 2011. Many fans asked for more tour dates, but one comment stood out.
The user asked, “C’Mon Jason… Can we get some Los Angeles dates? Also, will you be rejoining the Best of All Worlds band?”
Bonham responded, “Sammy has decided to carry on with Kenny so sadly no.”
This exchange followed social media posts from Hagar and the remaining band members hinting at a new project. Hagar shared a video from the recording studio, showing Michael Anthony on bass, while Hagar pointed to the camera and said, “We’re up to something.” He tagged Anthony, Joe Satriani, and their new drummer, Kenny Aronoff, in the caption.
Bonham had missed the final few shows of the tour due to a family issue. He left Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds tour in late August, with Kenny Aronoff filling in for him during those dates. Aronoff had previously played with Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Joe Satriani in Chickenfoot.
While Bonham didn’t immediately explain why he left, Hagar addressed the drummer’s absence in an interview.
“[Aronoff]’ll be the drummer till Jason can [come back],” Hagar explained. “I mean, the tour is over now, but we’re going to Japan, and if Jason is still with his mom – he’s gotta be there till she either comes through or whatever. I shouldn’t be talking about his personal business, but, you know, he’s got a medical emergency with his mother. You don’t ignore that.”
Although Hagar said that Aronoff would only be the band’s drummer until Bonham returned, Bonham’s recent statement clarified that things were not as they seemed.
Bonham later explained on Instagram why he left the Best of All Worlds tour: “As many of you know, my mother has been facing some serious health issues, and it’s been an incredibly challenging time for our family. I’m grateful to share that she’s on the mend and has been discharged from the hospital! She’s now home and recovering, which brings me immense relief. It was truly difficult to step away from ‘The Best Of All Worlds’ tour with only four shows left.”
For now, Bonham is focused on his work with JBLZE, while Hagar is expected to announce ‘big announcement’ next week.
