After almost 13 years of playing for the American alternative band Deftones, bassist Sergio Vega recently bid goodbye.
Following the retirement of previous bassist Chi Cheng in 2009, Vega has been a member of the renowned metal band since.
Rumors about Vega's resignation began to circulate lately when the band uploaded a new band photo without him to the band's official Spotify account.
With fans speculating his absence on the photo, the former bassist finally shared to his 31,000 followers on Instagram the real reason why he was not present on the updated photo.
Sergio Vega Left Deftones
Feeling the need to clear the air since Deftones uploaded the new band photo on the streaming giant, Vega initially felt hesitant to address the issue but eventually succumbed and read the statement he prepared in the video.
The 51-year old bassist and vocalist recalled his history with the band dating back to 1999 when he filled in for the late Chi Cheng, which he has permanently taken over a decade later because of Cheng's passing.
"I was also told that similarly to Frank, I will be brought in over time 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," he revealed.
Not an official member since then, Vega admitted that management had already canceled his contract during the pandemic. He then questioned his place in the band as he needed something stable.
READ ALSO: Alanis Morisette New Music Underway As Singer Unveils New Tour Dates With Garbage
Upon consulting with the band's management, they offered the same non-official contract as he had before - an indication for him that there would be no opportunity for growth for him anymore.
Vega declined the offer and revealed that he had left the band since early 2021, focusing on his former band "Quicksand," producing and writing for other artists and projects.
After dropping the bomb, Sergio penned a thoughtful message to Deftones' fans, who he thought needed clarity on the issue.
"I appreciate every single one of you. All my love to the fans that have become friends, the people that have supported my other projects. It brought me so much joy to see Deftones shirts at Quicksand shows land I will cherish this forever. Lastly, thanks so much to the 'Tones. I wish they had the chance to tell you this in person," he ended.
READ ALSO: Boyzlife's Keith Duffy Reveals SHOCKING Truth About His Time with Boyzone
