JASON BONHAM 'Won't Be Returning' To CALIFORNIA BREED, Says GLENN HUGHES

In a brand new interview with The Rocktologist, CALIFORNIA BREED bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes was asked if drummer Jason Bonham will return to the band at some point in the future. "No, Jason won't be returning," Glenn replied. "His other commitments were getting in the way of his CALIFORNIA BREED schedule."

He continued: "I have no disrespect for Jason, only tons of love. You know, I've known him every since he was a little boy. It's just that he chose to work with other people when in fact he should be working with CALIFORNIA BREED. And, you know, I'm a workaholic. When I'm working on an album or doing tours, I give it all, heart and soul. For some reason Jason didn't want to be part of that. And it's OK, we've moved on."

Bonham's current band, THE CIRCLE, consists of legendary rocker Sammy Hagar alongside former VAN HALEN bassist Michael Anthony and guitarist Vic Johnson. The group plays songs from all eras of its members' lives, including tracks from VAN HALEN and LED ZEPPELIN.

Hughes and CALIFORNIA BREED guitarist Andrew Watt recently chose Joey Castillo (QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE, EAGLES OF DEATH METAL) to play drums for the band for all dates when it became clear that Bonham's professional commitments would prevent him from being able to tour with the group.

CALIFORNIA BREED is supporting ALTER BRIDGE in the U.S. before heading to Europe and will close out the run supporting Slash featuring MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS on their five U.K. arena dates.

CALIFORNIA BREED's self-titled debut album sold around 4,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to land at position No. 78 on The Billboard 200 chart.

"California Breed" was recorded at producer Dave Cobb's Nashville studio and features equal co-writing credits from Hughes, Watt and Bonham. "It's proper rock," Hughes told Classic Rock magazine, "but at the same time it's very now. Andrew is as influenced by Mick Ronson as he is Jimmy Page." "This kid is amazing," said Bonham. "The first time we met I thought he looked like the white Jimi Hendrix. And he plays in the studio like he's on stage!"

"What we've got here is a kid who isn't a hammer-on, virtuoso," said Glenn, "but a whole new entity. This kid grew up listening to Mick Ronson on Bowie's records, as well as Jimmy Page in LED ZEPPELIN. He has a completely different take. And it's fresh and bold and so exciting. It just gets into your blood."