Why Bassist Sergio Vega Left Deftones
Deftones bassist Sergio Vega left the Deftones. Sergio Vega confirmed his exit from the band with an Instagram post. In his post, he explained why Sergio Vega left the Deftones.
Deftones has released a new band photo without the bassist Sergio. Deftones fans started to wonder why Sergio Vega did not appear on the band photo.
During the covid pandemic, Sergio Vega experienced many issues with the band. Besides the problem with the band members, he encountered management issues with the manager. Sergio Vega explained this situation in his Instagram post:
“To give a brief history about me and my friendship with Deftones. We met in 1995 and 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, I would be brought in overtime 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.”
Sergio Vega asking his place in the band:
“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 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 A couple of days later, I received an e-mail from their lawyer that their offer was withdrawn and that they wished me the best.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.”
At this point, we see why Sergio Vega wants to leave the band. He is willing to make a contract with the band without a doubt, he deserved it. Because Sergio Vega gives his 12 years to make the band better. Yet, the manager could not handle this situation. This situation created miscommunication among the band members. As a consequence, Sergio Vega will leave the band.
Sergio Vega saying goodbye to the Deftones fans:
“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.”
Sergio Vega says good luck to the band: “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.”
