Veteran rock drummer Jason Bonham, son of late Led Zeppelin legend John Bonham, recently took part in Sammy Hagar’s The Best of All Worlds Tour, a trek that mainly celebrated the music of Hagar’s former band Van Halen. Unfortunately, Bonham had to leave the tour with four shows remaining on its U.S. leg to attend to a family emergency in his home country of the U.K.
Videos by American Songwriter
In a radio interview in early September, shortly after the trek ended, Hagar shared some details about Bonham’s early departure.
[Buy Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening Concert Tickets]
“Jason’s [family emergency] was a sudden thing,” the Red Rocker told KSHE DJ Favazz. “His mother had a stroke and went into a coma, and it’s serious. So [his] whole family went over there [to the U.K.]”
Now, Bonham has posted a message on his social media pages regarding why he left Hagar’s tour, and giving an update about his mother’s condition.
“I wanted to take a moment to explain my absence over the past few weeks,” Jason wrote. “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. 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.”
He continued, “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.”
Bonham’s Musical Friends React to the News
Bonham also accompanied his update with a note thanking his friends and fans “for all your prayers and heartfelt messages.” Several well-known musicians, including his fellow Best of All Worlds Tour bandmates Michael Anthony and Joe Satriani, posted notes reacting to news about Jason’s mom in the comments section of his Instagram page.
“Glad to hear your mom’s recovery is going well,” Anthony write. “Nothing but love from [my wife] Sue and myself to you, your mom and your family, miss ya brother.”
Satriani wrote, “That’s great news Jason!”
Other musicians who posted messages included All Starr Band drummer Greg Bissonette, Styx’s Todd Sucherman, Def Leppard’s Rick Allen, and former Deep Purple singer/bassist Glenn Hughes.
Bonham Also Revealed His Upcoming Tour Plans
Also in Jason’s update, he reported that he was ready to return to touring, noting that he’ll be heading out on the road soon with his group Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening.
“I’m excited to announce that JBLZE will be back on tour starting November 19th!” he shared. “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.”
As the band’s name suggests, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening celebrates the music of the famous British rock group Jason’s late father co-founded. Jason formed the tribute act in 2009, a couple of years after he played drums with Led Zeppelin at its historic reunion concert at the O2 Arena in London.
Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening’s fall 2024 tour kicks off November 19 in Indianapolis, and runs through a December 16 show in Tampa, Florida.
Tickets for Bonham’s concerts can be purchased now via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.
More About The Best of All Worlds Tour
When Bonham exited The Best of All Worlds Tour, Hagar hired veteran session and touring Kenny Aronoff as his replacement. Aronoff previously had toured with Hagar as a fill-in drummer for the supergroup Chickenfoot in 2011 and 2012, when Chad Smith wasn’t able to participate in the trek because of his commitments to his main band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Interestingly, Chickenfoot’s other two members, Anthony and Satriani, also were part of Hagar’s Best of All Worlds Tour band.
Aronoff played the final four dates of the U.S. tour leg, and as well as three Japanese concerts that took place in late September.
Hagar revealed in a video message after the U.S. leg ended that he wants to do more Best of All Worlds Tour shows. He’s yet to schedule any new dates for the trek, though.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.