During an interview with SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk, Jason Bonham addressed recent comments made by Sammy Hagar regarding their professional relationship.
Bonham offered clarity about his rehearsal availability. He also responded to Hagar’s characterization of him as being ‘a bit drama.’
‘I read recently, there was an article that somebody kind of cornered him on me. I just wanted to clear that up. I didn’t have any dates booked or anything. I could have done rehearsals,’ Bonham explained. ‘The only thing I had booked was the three weeks in June [with BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION]. But so is Joe and Kenny; [they] are gonna be away at that time [as well].’
Bonham maintained a positive perspective on their relationship:
‘I love Sam to bits. Me and Mike, we speak every week. Mikey, I really miss him. We had a great time. To get where we got playing those songs, who wouldn’t want to do that gig? We had a great time last year. If that was my swan song with Sam, then we ended up on a high.’
Bonham further discussed his departure from Hagar’s band:
‘We’re good. I was a little upset with him when it happened. I had 10 years — great years — with Sam. I love him, love his family, kids, everything, his wife. His wife and my wife are very, very close. It was a bit of a shock, but I get it. At that time I couldn’t commit to the Japanese tour because mom was still in a bad way.’
Recent developments reveal a deeper story behind their professional collaboration.
Blabbermouth reported that Bonham left Sammy Hagar’s band in late 2024. His departure came at the end of the ‘Best of All Worlds’ tour’s U.S. leg. A family emergency prompted the exit when his mother suffered a stroke, necessitating his return to England.
Kenny Aronoff stepped in as the new drummer for the remaining dates. MetalSucks noted that Aronoff continued with the band through their Las Vegas residency in early 2025.
Ultimate Classic Rock documented Bonham’s return to performing. He resumed tours with his own project, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience (JBLZ). This followed a temporary postponement due to his mother’s health situation.
The current lineup features Hagar performing alongside Aronoff, Joe Satriani on guitar, and Michael Anthony on bass. They continue to celebrate Van Halen’s music and classics from Hagar’s career.
