Ultimate Classic Rock reports:
As he sets out on the latest tour by his Led Zeppelin Evening, Jason Bonham is “a little sad” – but not angry – about losing his spot in Sammy Hagar‘s band.
Answering a fan’s social media question a few days ago, Bonham revealed that his 10-year tenure with The Circle and last year’s Best of All Worlds tour band had come to an end.
“Sammy has decided to carry on with Kenny,” Bonham wrote, referring to Kenny Aronoff, who filled in during the four Best of All Worlds shows in August when Bonham rushed to England to help care for his mother, who’d suffered a stroke.
The move reunited the last Chickenfoot touring lineup of Hagar, Aronoff, guitarist Joe Satriani and bassist Michael Anthony (along with keyboardist-guitarist Rai Thistlethwayte). The group, with Aronoff, has been pictured working on new material in the studio, and Bonham says Hagar let him know he’d been replaced not long after the tour’s end.
Speaking to Ultimate Classic Rock, Bonham said, “I was trying to answer fans, really, because they were asking me, ‘Why aren’t you involved with the new thing they’re recording?’ and saying, ‘Aren’t you gonna do it again?’ ‘I was let go, so, no.’ Sammy rang me awhile ago. He was asking about my mom, but then he said, ‘Y’know, I’m not gonna do much next year,’ blah, blah blah, ‘and I’m gonna go with Kenny.’ I was a little shocked, I must say. I’d be lying to you if I wasn’t a little sad, because we were on fire at the end of the tour. And I got a little upset. That was strange, after 10 years of being with him.”
Despite the fact that he was fired from Hagar‘s band, Bonham was full of praise for the legendary rocker. “Listen, I love the guy to bits,” Jason said. “I don’t wish him any ill. I still speak to him. Honestly, the guy has taught me so much — about business, being positive. I’m an English guy; I can be really negative half the time. Even if the sun is shining, ‘but it could rain.’ He really helped me in that aspect big-time, and business sense and never taking no for an answer, always believing in yourself.
So, yeah, I had a great 10 years. He allowed me to always do what I wanted to do. When my thing would get busy he always gave me the space. I couldn’t ask for more.”
Aronoff replaced Chad Smith in Chickenfoot‘s touring lineup from 2011 to 2012. Smith was forced to step away from Chickenfoot‘s touring activities due to his commitments with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Jason Bonham spent nearly a decade touring as Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience before changing the band’s name to Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening.
27 Responses
Sammy is all 100% Business Money Man.He opened a Cabo here years ago and it closed within 3 months. He opened it as a tax exemption then sold it. That place was packed. Dozens of waitresses, cooks, etc were “let go” as well. John Bonham is just another link on his chain to dispose.
Wouldn’t FMLA protect Jason’s right to return to the band???
Hahaha!
Learn Educate Advance Develop – to lead requires competitive intelligence with the right affinity model
When it comes down to it for Sammy it’s about business first, or so it would seem. And, perhaps, the energy in the band with Kenny is preferred.