Sammy Hagar is launching a new project with the Best Of All Worlds tour lineup. But it seems that Jason Bonham is not coming back for this project either.
Hagar took to Instagram to tease the ‘big announcement’ he will make next week. The rocker shared a video from the recording studio, where Michael Anthony plays bass and Hagar points to the camera and says, “We’re up to something.” In the caption, he tagged Anthony, Satriani, and their new drummer Kenny Aronoff.
Jason Bonham left Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds tour in late August. While he didn’t share a statement about why he left right away, Hagar talked about the drummer’s absence in an interview.
“[Aronoff]’ll be the drummer till Jason can [come back],” he 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.”
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.”
He added: “The energy, the connections, and the experiences were nothing short of incredible, but my priority had to be with my mother during her fight for life. I’m excited to announce that JBLZE [Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evenin] will be back on tour starting November 19th! I can’t wait to see all of you and share this journey together once more.”
Aronoff first joined the band at the Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati on August 27. During the show, Hagar dedicated the performance to Bonham and his family. The band played a set filled with Van Halen songs that night.
Hagar is set to play at the Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma on February 21 next year.