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
Bonham may be forgiving, but I think this makes Hagar look very bad.
I have to agree. There’s always been something about Sam that seems shady. I kind of feel as if he will be your best bud one second and the next stab you in the back and throw you under the bus and not think twice about it.
Sam has had too many shots of tequila and rum.
Bonham leaves the “Best of All Worlds” tour for a family matter, and then he’s not allowed to return!!?? What a d–k move by Hagar! The more I learn about Hagar, the more I understand why Alex Van Halen “ghosted” him.
I commend Bonham, for being both honest, and a gentleman, with his very measured response.
I am not sure, that I would have handled it, with as much grace, as he did. He is a class act, and I hope his road of success continues, and that his mother, is okay,
This doesn’t sound like Sammy, there has to be more to this story, remember, there’s always 2 sides…
Bonham is a selling point. In fact, I’d see him over Hagar any day, just out of respect to his legendary father and, he’s a great drummer. I don’t know what goes through Sam’s head at times, but firing John Bonham’s son, why?
Yeah, Jason is fantastic. I’ve also seen him with UFO and Foreigner, and The Circle. Not really the main selling point, but definitely a superstar.
How many bands out there do you go see mainly for the drummer? Besides Phil Collins in the early 80’s. maybe Dream Theater, Rush (R.I.P.), and certainly not Motley Crue.
Please read the first line of the article: “As he sets out on the latest tour by his Led Zeppelin Evening”
The dude already had work lined up. Maybe HE wouldn’t be available when the Vegas residency came up.