Deftones part ways with bassist Sergio Vega following contract dispute

Deftones have parted ways with longtime bassist Sergio Vega following a disagreement over the negotiation of a new contract with the Californian band. 

Vega, who is also a founder member of Quicksand, joined the band officially in 2009 as far as fans were concerned. But from what Vega says below it seems his contract suggested otherwise, and the bassist has now outlined the reasons for his departure in an Instagram video today (9 March) following the release of a band promo photo without him in it a few days ago.

"Hi everybody. I hope this finds you well. I didn't wanna have to make a video about this, but after the recent band photo posted on Deftones' Spotify, I feel the need to clear the air," Vega began in the video, transcribed by Blabbermouth] I'm not very good at this, so I wrote out a statement and I will read it to you now.

"To give a brief history about me and my friendship with Deftones. We met in 1995. 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, Deftones keyboardist and turntablist], I would 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," Vega continues. "I really 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.

"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," adds Vega. "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.

"Lastly, thanks so much to the 'Tones. 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."

So, a sad outcome to Vega's time with the band, during which he tracked and contributed to a creative purple patch for the band on the Diamond Eyes, Koi No Yokan, Gore and Ohms albums. There's no news yet on who will replace him in the band. 

Rig tour: Deftones