Jason Bonham explained on Instagram why he left Sammy Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour.
“I wanted to take a moment to explain my absence over the past few weeks,” the drummer began his statement. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
“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,” the musician further said.
He then added, “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. Thank you for your understanding and love. See you soon! Much love, JB.”
Bonham missed the last few shows of the tour because of a family issue. Kenny Aronoff, who had played with Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Joe Satriani in Chickenfoot, filled in for him on those dates.
“Tonight I’m going to dedicate this to the Bonham family in England,” Hagar said on the first show without Bonham before performing ‘Eagles Fly’ at Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati. “Hope everything works out okay over there and to our brother Jason.”
Initially, it wasn’t clear why Jason left the tour. “Wow, man. You changed the kick drum heads. Jason is his own man. His dad is in there plenty. It’s been a long time. And you smacking those high notes right in the tune, Sammy. Dammy. Nothing like a tour to get the chops flowing? You sound great, man! Hope, you do another leg & or tour brother,” a fan wrote in one of Hagar’s posts.
“I felt uncomfortable leaving the heads the same without Jason playing the kit he’ll be back,” Hagar responded to the user. “Prayers for his mother in order my friend. Thank you.” Bonham also left a comment, saying, “I’m in UK with my family as we navigate a very difficult situation. I need all your prayers right now.”
On The Best of All Worlds tour, Hagar, Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, and Rai Thistlethwayte played mostly Van Halen songs, some of Satriani’s music, and Hagar’s solo hits.
Photo Credit: Jason Bonham – Instagram