DEFTONES Issues Update On New Album, Ailing Bassist

Sacramento's DEFTONES — whose bassist Chi Cheng is said to be "in semi-conscious state" following a November 2008 car accident — has issued the following update:

"We want to take a minute and address all of you regarding Chi and our new record.

"First and foremost, we are all still praying and hoping for our brother's and bandmate's recovery. He continues to get hospital care, but often it feels as if we're no closer to knowing what is ultimately going to happen to him as he continues to fight off infections as part of an ongoing battle with his condition. We trust all of you have been following his progress at [the] One Love For Chi [web site]; we have as well. Whenever we have significant information regarding his condition, we will share it with all of you. In the meantime, we're working on getting a benefit show together for Chi in Los Angeles this fall; details will follow very soon.

"Let's all continue to channel positive energy into the universe for Chi's recovery.

"There has been a lot of speculation lately about what is going on with the record: 'Eros', for one, and Chi's parts, and this new record that we are currently tracking.

"The songs recorded for 'Eros' are very special to us as they are the latest with Chi (and we certainly hope not the last); they have history and significant meaning to us. However, as we neared completion on 'Eros', we realized that this record doesn't best encompass and represent who we are currently as people and as musicians. And although those songs will see the light of day at some point, we collectively made the decision that we needed to take a new approach, and with Chi's condition heavy on our minds while doing so. We needed to return to the studio to do what we felt was right artistically. Our inspiration and unity as a band is stronger than it has ever been before and we needed to channel that energy into our music, and deliver to our fans what you rightly deserve: the best DEFTONES record that we can make.

"The decision to hold off on releasing 'Eros' has no connection with Chi's condition or anything associated. This was, and is, purely a creative decision by the band to write, record, and deliver an amazing product. As a result we feel like this is the best record we’ve ever written. And although Chi is not playing bass with us, his presence is dramatically felt in our hearts and on our minds every day when we step into that studio, and you will feel it in the music.

"We have some dates coming up this summer as you know, and the best thing that we can do now is to try to return this situation to the closest thing to normalcy as possible. The stage is our home, and you are our family.

"Please remember, only DEFTONES speak for DEFTONES, so we will continue to periodically release official statements."

Altitude TV has uploaded video footage of DEFTONES' April 5, 2009 performance at the Bamboozle Left festival at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre in Irvine, California. Watch the clip below.

The band was joined by bassist Sergio Vega (ex-QUICKSAND) for the Bamboozle Left appearance.

Cheng is 38 years old and is a poet as well as a musician. He released a CD of his poetry called "The Bamboo Parachute" in 2000.

Cheng has been a member of DEFTONES since its formation in 1988. The band released its debut disc, "Adrenaline", in 1995 and scored a platinum record with 2000's "White Pony".