Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega recently shared a video on his official Instagram account to reveal that he decided to part his ways with Deftones. The musician also unveiled the reason behind his decision to address the allegations regarding his retirement.
The hardcore Deftones fans know that previously, Vega had temporarily joined the band following their bassist Chi Cheng’s toe surgery during one of the band’s tours in 1999. However, he had no idea that he would become their full-time bassist replacing Cheng years later.
Unfortunately, Cheng was seriously injured in a car accident in 2008 and was in a semi-comatose state. After the tragic incident, the band was left in a position where they had to find a new bassist. Deftones members recruited Vega, and he took place in the band’s successful records, ‘Diamond Eyes,’ ‘Koi No Yokan,’ ‘Gore,’ and ‘Ohms’ in the following years.
Recently, the rumors about his departure started after Deftones uploaded a new band photo to Spotify without Vega. Since the band didn’t make any official statements about the matter, the bassist opened up about the rumors and confirmed the situation via a video on his IG account.
The musician revealed that he left the band early last year because they didn’t offer him a new contract as an official member with better conditions, which he asked for in every album. Vega ended his words by saying that the speculations about him selling his gear and quitting making music aren’t true.
Vega’s IG post read:
“Regarding my situation with Deftones.”
The bassist’s statement in the video follows:
“I didn’t want to 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. I’m not very good at this. So I wrote 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 Chi, 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, I will 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.
COVID was a breaking point for a lot of people. I started to question my place in the band and the future 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 LA to help work it out. Right away.”
He added:
“I said, ‘Of course.’ I was all in, and we could 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. 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 email 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 and working as a producer and writer for other artists and projects.
I’m mentioning this because there was speculation about me selling my gear and quitting music altogether. Lots of love and thanks to Deftones’ amazing fan base for always being engaged and supportive of the band through good times and bad.”
Former Deftones bassist added that he didn’t have any choice but to leave after the management didn’t accept his conditions to play with Deftones. He said he would continue his career with Quicksand and other projects. Sergio Vega also didn’t forget to thank his fans for their endless support during this process.
