Timeline: Deftones

Deftones formed in Sacramento, California by Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, and Abe Cunningham, initially rehearsing regularly in Carpenter’s garage.

The early lineup developed through Sacramento’s skateboarding scene; bassist Dominic Garcia joined, and when Cunningham briefly left to join Phallucy, Garcia switched from bass to drums.

Bassist Chi Cheng joined the band; Deftones recorded a four-track demo soon afterward, helping establish their early sound and local reputation.

John Taylor replaced Garcia on drums, marking another early lineup change before the group stabilized again later in the decade.

Cunningham returned to the band, solidifying the core lineup that would lead into their first major-label deal and debut album era.

Deftones expanded beyond local club shows into San Francisco and Los Angeles, sharing bills with bands such as Korn. They impressed a Maverick Records representative and were signed after performing for Freddy DeMann and Guy Oseary.

Deftones released their debut album, Adrenaline. Though initially not a major commercial hit, extensive touring and word-of-mouth built a dedicated fan base and positioned the band within the 1990s nu metal movement.

The non-album track “Teething” appeared on the soundtrack to the film The Crow: City of Angels, with the band also shown performing it in the movie’s festival scene.

Deftones released their second album, Around the Fur, recorded in Seattle with producer Terry Date. The album increased their profile via singles like “My Own Summer (Shove It)” and “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away).

Deftones continued major touring and festival appearances, helping cement their rise in the alternative metal scene during the late 1990s.

“My Own Summer (Shove It)” was included on The Matrix: Music from the Motion Picture, further extending the band’s reach through a high-profile soundtrack.

Deftones released the live EP Deftones (live), reflecting their reputation as a touring-driven band during their breakthrough years.

Adrenaline was certified gold by the RIAA, confirming the long tail of the band’s debut-era momentum.

Frank Delgado became a full-time member, adding keyboards/turntables/sampling that would help shape the band’s more expansive 2000s sound.

Deftones released White Pony, a major stylistic shift toward a more experimental approach, featuring collaborations such as “Passenger” with Maynard James Keenan.

The band re-released White Pony with “Back to School (Mini Maggit)” added as a new opening track, after label pressure; the group also arranged a free download option for prior buyers.

“Elite” won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance, a major mainstream milestone tied to the White Pony era.

During the 2001 summer tour, Moreno severely damaged his vocal cords and later underwent vocal training as a precaution while the band prepared their next album.

White Pony achieved platinum status in the US, reflecting the album’s sustained commercial impact alongside its critical reputation.

Deftones briefly left the studio to play one-off shows in Australia and New Zealand as part of Big Day Out, then returned to complete their fourth album.

The band released their self-titled fourth album, Deftones, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Deftones released the compilation B-Sides & Rarities, pairing rarities on CD with a DVD of behind-the-scenes footage and their videography up to that point.

“Hole in the Earth” was released as the first single from Saturday Night Wrist, introducing an album shaped by internal tensions and personal issues.

Deftones released Saturday Night Wrist, recorded with Bob Ezrin and finished with producer Shaun Lopez; it debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard chart.

“Mein” was released as the second single from Saturday Night Wrist, featuring a guest contribution from Serj Tankian of System of a Down.

Deftones began writing material for their planned sixth album, Eros, which Moreno described as unorthodox and aggressive.

Recording began for the planned album Eros, with the band returning to producer Terry Date.

Adrenaline was certified platinum by the RIAA, reflecting the album’s long-term sales growth over more than a decade.

Bassist Chi Cheng was seriously injured in a car crash in Santa Clara, California, leaving him in a minimally conscious state. The band began sharing updates publicly, and work on Eros ultimately stalled.

It was announced that Cheng had been moved to a hospital specializing in traumatic and non-trauma related brain injuries, underscoring the seriousness of his condition.

Deftones announced that Sergio Vega (formerly of Quicksand ) would take over bass duties in Cheng’s absence.

Fans launched the One Love for Chi website to share updates and raise funds for Cheng’s medical care, reflecting a significant community mobilization around the band.

Deftones played their first show without Cheng since 1998 at Bamboozle Left in Irvine, California.

The band announced Eros would be delayed indefinitely, citing a creative decision to take a new approach while the group dealt with the circumstances surrounding Cheng’s condition.

Deftones released “Rocket Skates” as a free download, beginning the rollout of their next album after the Eros postponement.

The release of Diamond Eyes was moved forward after the album leaked online; it marked a new phase for the band with producer Nick Raskulinecz and a more optimistic approach than Eros.

Deftones toured with Mastodon and Alice in Chains on the Blackdiamondskye tour, pairing the bands’ latest albums into a single marquee run.

For Record Store Day, the band released the covers compilation Covers, highlighting their wide-ranging influences.

Around the Fur reached platinum certification in the US, years after its original 1997 release.

Deftones issued The Vinyl Collection 1995–2011 as a limited edition set of 1,000 copies, packaging much of their catalog for collectors.

Stephen Carpenter revealed the band was working on a new record, with producer Nick Raskulinecz reported to be returning.

Deftones debuted the new song “Rosemary” live and also premiered “Roller Derby,” later retitled “Poltergeist,” signaling the next album’s direction.

The band announced Koi No Yokan, continuing the experimental trajectory established on Diamond Eyes.

Deftones released Koi No Yokan via Reprise Records, later receiving strong critical acclaim including a high Metacritic score.

Chi Cheng died after going into cardiac arrest, more than four years after his 2008 accident; his death marked a major turning point in the band’s history.

Moreno indicated the shelved album Eros was more likely to be released following Cheng’s death, though it remained largely unreleased.

While Moreno toured with Crosses, the rest of Deftones began writing a follow-up to Koi No Yokan.

On the first anniversary of Cheng’s death, Deftones released “Smile,” a track from the shelved Eros sessions, on YouTube; it was removed shortly after due to copyright issues and remains the only officially released Eros material.

Moreno told Rolling Stone the band had written 16 songs for their next album, describing it as “heady,” though its release schedule later shifted multiple times.

Deftones released “Prayers / Triangles” as the lead single from Gore, previewing a record focused on mood and experimentation.

The band released Gore, recorded with producer Matt Hyde and featuring the notable guest guitar solo by Jerry Cantrell on “Phantom Bride.”

Moreno said Deftones had begun writing for their ninth studio album, aiming (at the time) for a 2019 release and a shift in writing dynamics to involve Carpenter and Cunningham more heavily.

Deftones embarked on a South American tour with support from Quicksand and Deadly Apples, while Moreno described the new material as “considerably heavier” than Gore.

Deftones announced they were mixing their new album, with sessions reportedly taking place in Los Angeles and producer Terry Date returning for the first time since the unreleased Eros era.

The band released “Ohms” as the first single and announced the album Ohms for September 2020, formally launching their ninth album cycle.

Deftones released Ohms. They also ran the “Adopt-a-Dot” campaign tied to the album cover to raise money for charity.

A 20th anniversary reissue of White Pony was released alongside Black Stallion, a companion remix album featuring contributors such as Mike Shinoda, DJ Shadow, and Robert Smith.

Bassist Sergio Vega departed after serving in the band’s live and recording lineup following Cheng’s accident, later stating he had been a contracted musician rather than an official member.

Vega’s departure was publicly discussed, with Vega explaining the circumstances around his status and decision to leave after being offered the same arrangement as before.

Deftones announced Fred Sablan as their touring bassist replacement for Vega, beginning a new touring configuration.

Touring guitarist Lance Jackman was announced as a temporary replacement for Carpenter during the band’s 2022 European tour, reflecting continued touring adjustments.

Moreno told KROQ the band had completed the bulk of their tenth studio album instrumentally, with vocals still to be recorded.

Deftones announced a major London headline show at Crystal Palace Park scheduled for June 29, 2025, with support from Weezer and High Vis.

Deftones were scheduled to play Glastonbury Festival for the first time since 1998, but canceled the day of the performance due to a band member’s illness.

The band announced their tenth studio album, Private Music, and released its lead single “My Mind Is a Mountain.

Deftones released “Milk of the Madonna” as the second single from Private Music, continuing the album rollout.

Deftones released Private Music, featuring touring bassist Fred Sablan as part of the recording-era lineup.