Jason Bonham has officially announced that he will not be rejoining Sammy Hagar’s band for the upcoming Best of All Worlds tour dates, expressing his disappointment over the decision. This change comes as a surprise to many fans who have enjoyed Bonham’s contributions to Hagar’s musical endeavors over the years. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Bonham shared the latest tour dates for his own band, Led Zeppelin Evening, which will take place from November 19 to December 16. When a follower inquired about his potential return to Hagar’s lineup, Bonham candidly replied, “Sammy has decided to carry on with Kenny; so sadly, no.”

For the past decade, Bonham has played a pivotal role as the drummer for Sammy Hagar and the Circle, contributing to three studio albums in the last five years. He was part of this summer’s highly anticipated Van Halen-celebrating Best of All Worlds tour alongside iconic musicians including Hagar, Michael Anthony, and Joe Satriani. Unfortunately, Bonham had to step away near the tour’s conclusion due to a family health emergency, which was an incredibly tough decision for him.

He shared his emotional experience, stating, “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.” This statement underscores the personal sacrifices that musicians sometimes must make, balancing their careers with family obligations and realities.

In September, Hagar revealed that Bonham had initially attempted to continue performing after his mother suffered a stroke. However, both musicians ultimately recognized that Bonham needed to prioritize being with his family during this critical time. To fill Bonham’s role on short notice, longtime drummer Kenny Aronoff, who had previously performed with Hagar, Anthony, and Satriani in Chickenfoot, stepped in to complete the remaining tour dates.

Discover Why Sammy Hagar Enjoys Collaborating with Kenny Aronoff

“So we told Kenny,” Hagar elaborated. “[H]e had about 24-hour notice, and he came in [for] the first night… at six in the morning. We played that night in Cincinnati, and he delivered a 90-percent perfect show. I swear to you, I make more mistakes every night than he did!” Hagar’s praise for Aronoff highlights the drummer’s talent and adaptability in high-pressure situations, making him a valuable addition to the team.

Hagar further expressed his enthusiasm for working with Aronoff, indicating his comfort in having him join their upcoming Japan tour dates. “I just love playing with him… he’s so enthusiastic,” Hagar remarked. “He’s the most enthusiastic guy – ‘Oh man, we’re gonna kill it! Oh, don’t worry about me!’ He’s like foaming at the mouth. He’s crazy!” This reflects the positive energy and camaraderie that Hagar seeks in his musical collaborations.

Recently, Hagar shared behind-the-scenes footage of himself and Anthony collaborating in a recording studio. “The best of all worlds band, we are up to something,” he teased, tagging Anthony, Satriani, and Aronoff while promising fans exciting new music and upcoming shows. This announcement has generated buzz among fans eager for fresh material from this talented ensemble.

In addition to his commitments with Hagar, Bonham has an exciting schedule lined up, including European tour dates in 2025 with Black Country Communion, a renowned heavy rock supergroup featuring notable musicians like Glenn Hughes, Joe Bonamassa, and Derek Sherinian. This showcases Bonham’s versatility as a drummer, as he continues to explore and expand his musical horizons.