Deftones have split with bassist Sergio Vega after 12 years and four albums with the musician, according to a video statement from the bassist’s Instagram page this past Tuesday (Mar. 8).
In his statement, Vega suggests he was never made an official member of the group, despite his long tenure following founding Deftones bassist Chi Cheng’s career-ending automobile collision in 2008 and subsequent death in 2013. Vega further indicates a path to membership made available for Deftones keyboardist and turntablist Frank Delgado was not offered to him.
I was asked to bring the same approach as a songwriter and arranger to [Deftones] as well. I was also told that similarly to Frank 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 canceled.
Vega continues.
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 A couple of days later, I received an email from their lawyer that their offer was withdrawn, and that they wished me the best.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 in 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.
Deftones have yet to respond to Vega’s statements.
311 bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Willis commented on Vega’s Instagram post saying that he always viewed Vega as the official member he “should’ve been” and wishes him well. The full video statement from Vega’s Instagram page can be viewed below.
Deftones will be going out on the road in early April. The tour will be making it’s way through The Rave in Milwaukee on May 26th, 2022. Right now it is unknown who will be playing bass with the group on their upcoming tour.
