Jason Bonham, the renowned drummer and son of late Led Zeppelin legend John Bonham, recently opened up about his departure from Sammy Hagar’s band ahead of the upcoming The Best of All Worlds shows. Bonham, who had been a key member of the U.S. leg of the tour, expressed surprise and sadness at being let go, revealing that he was informed by Hagar that his replacement would be Kenny Aronoff for the upcoming dates.
In an interview with Ultimate Classic Rock, Bonham shared his feelings about the situation: “I was a little shocked, I must say. I’d be lying to you if I wasn’t a little sad, because we were on fire at the end of the tour. And I got a little upset. That was strange, after 10 years of being with him.” Bonham had to leave the U.S. leg of The Best of All Worlds tour early due to a family matter, and Kenny Aronoff, a drummer familiar with Hagar from his time in Chickenfoot, stepped in for the remaining dates.
Bonham later confirmed that he would not be participating in any future shows or recordings for The Best of All Worlds. “Sammy has decided to carry on with Kenny,” Bonham wrote in response to a fan’s social media question. Reflecting on the situation, Bonham said, “Sammy rang me awhile ago. He was asking about my mom, but then he said, ‘Y’know, I’m not gonna do much next year,’ blah, blah blah, ‘and I’m gonna go with Kenny.'”
Despite the unexpected change, Bonham expressed nothing but respect and admiration for Sammy Hagar. “Listen, I love the guy to bits,” he said. “I don’t wish him any ill. I still speak to him. Honestly, the guy has taught me so much — about business, being positive. I’m an English guy; I can be really negative half the time. Even if the sun is shining, ‘but it could rain.’ He really helped me in that aspect big-time, and business sense and never taking no for an answer, always believing in yourself.”
Bonham emphasized his gratitude for the decade-long collaboration, saying, “He allowed me to always do what I wanted to do. When my thing would get busy, he always gave me the space. I couldn’t ask for more.” Despite the end of his tenure with Hagar’s band, Bonham remains appreciative of the opportunity and the lessons he learned along the way.
