Until recently, the ongoing absence of guitarist Stephen Carpenter from Deftones‘ international touring schedule remained one of modern rock’s biggest unanswered questions. Since 2022, the influential alternative metal musician has chosen to sit out the band’s non-domestic shows, citing unease with leaving home. At the time, Carpenter explained: “With everything going on in the world, I’m just not ready to leave home and leave the country yet.”
Some fans speculated his stance was rooted in personal beliefs, though Carpenter‘s Sol Invicto bandmate Richie Londres dismissed those claims, clarifying that the situation was more complex. By 2024, Stephen Carpenter finally confirmed that his struggles with anxiety and fear of flying were at the heart of his reluctance to tour internationally. Deftones have since adapted by bringing in guitarist Lance Jackman whenever overseas commitments arise.
Despite Carpenter‘s candor, it seems the full picture remains elusive. In a new interview with Metal Hammer, vocalist and guitarist Chino Moreno admitted that even he isn’t entirely clear on Carpenter‘s reasoning. “I don’t want to speak for him. And even if I could, I still don’t have an answer. Really I don’t.
“It’s still something that I think he is figuring out,” Moreno explained. “And if he does have an answer, I think it’d be great if one day he would share it. But yeah, we support him. We have to. He’s our friend. And his health, be it physically or mentally, always takes the forefront of anything.”
Moreno added that the band remains committed to playing together, even if Carpenter can’t be present for every show. “It’s sad, I want him onstage with us at every show. If you ask me what I prefer, I want him there every day, every time we do anything, with the band. But it literally comes down to: there’s two ways to deal with it. We accept what he can and will do, or we just don’t play. And we want to play.”
On top of his anxiety struggles, Stephen Carpenter only recently discovered he has been living with type II diabetes, a condition that had been silently draining his energy levels before being properly managed. His health revelation has further underscored the challenges he has faced away from the stage.
While his international future with Deftones remains uncertain, Carpenter is expected to rejoin his bandmates this week for the next leg of their North American tour. The band’s upcoming dates promise to showcase both their resilience and their unity in the face of personal and collective challenges.
Deftones‘ new record Private Music is available here, which just came out today. You can also catch Deftones at one of their many tour dates below in support of the new record. Get your tickets here.
8/22 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
8/24 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
8/25 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
8/27 Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
8/29 Minneapolis, MN Target Center (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
8/30 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
9/1 Buffalo, NY Key Bank Center (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
9/3 Toronto, ON Rogers Stadium (w/ System Of A Down, Polyphia & Wisp)
9/5 Toronto, ON Rogers Stadium (w/ System Of A Down, Polyphia & Wisp)
9/7 Quebec City, QC Centre Videotron (w/ Phantogram & The Barbarians Of California)
9/8 Montreal, QC Bell Centre (w/ IDLES & The Barbarians Of California)
9/10 Cleveland, OH Rocket Arena (w/ IDLES & The Barbarians Of California)
9/11 Baltimore, MD CFG Bank Arena (w/ IDLES & The Barbarians Of California)
9/13 St. Louis, MO Enterprise Center (w/ IDLES & The Barbarians Of California)
9/15 Denver, CO Ball Arena (w/ IDLES & The Barbarians Of California)
9/17 Kansas City, MO T-Mobile Center (w/ IDLES & The Barbarians Of California)
9/19 Atlanta, GA Shaky Knees
9/20 Louisville, KY Louder Than Life
10/3 Sacramento, CA Aftershock
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