California Breed couldn’t continue without Bonham

California Breed mainman Glenn Hughes says the band split as they couldn’t continue without drummer Jason Bonham.

The sticksman quit last year ahead of planned gigs in Europe and the US forcing Hughes and co. to bring in former Queens Of The Stone Age sticksman Joey Castillo to fill in for their live commitments.

The band officially went their separate ways last week after just one album – and Hughes says it’s because without the original trio, there was no way they could move forward.

He says on Facebook: “On June 2, Jason left California Breed. We had just gone on sale with tickets for the USA and Europe tours. I felt it necessary to commit to these shows, as we had recorded an album and we needed to play and promote our work.

“Joey C came in and played drums and helped us out on tour and I am supremely grateful for this.

“What I couldn’t commit to was a second album. California Breed was Jason, Andrew Watt and myself – and there was no way moving forward without all three original members.”

The band were formed in February 2014 from the ashes of Black Country Communion who disbanded following a breakdown of relations between Hughes and guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

Hughes says he’s now concentrating on two musical projects and a film and has promised more details in due course.

Scott has spent 37 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 12 years, Scott has written more than 11,500 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.