Deftones member Stephen Carpenter recently missed the concert at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, as 50,000 fans gathered for what promised to be a historic concert. The event featured heavy metal icons System of a Down and Deftones, among other notable acts like The Mars Volta and Viagra Boys. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd ready to witness some of the biggest names in rock deliver unforgettable performances.
However, amid the excitement, Deftones fans couldn’t help but notice something was off—guitarist Stephen Carpenter was once again absent from the stage. Carpenter, a key member of the band and known for his heavy, intricate guitar work, had also missed a couple of shows earlier this month in Chicago, reportedly due to a “sudden illness.” His continued absence at the San Francisco show has sparked concern among fans, especially given his importance to the band’s unique sound.
Carpenter’s Struggles with Anxiety
Carpenter has been absent for quite some time, and last month he opened up about his struggles with anxiety, particularly when it comes to touring. These issues have made it difficult for him to perform live, especially at overseas shows, and have led him to scale back his touring commitments with Deftones. This situation has been building since May 2022, when Carpenter first announced that he would be sitting out international tours with the band.
While Carpenter’s mental health has understandably taken priority, his absence has undoubtedly left a void. He recently opened up on why he won’t tour. Deftones have brought in guitarist Lance Jackman to fill in as the touring guitarist and backing vocalist. However, for many fans, it’s not quite the same without Carpenter’s signature sound driving the band’s performances.
Deftones carry on without Stephen Carpenter
Despite Carpenter’s absence, the remaining members of Deftones—vocalist Chino Moreno, drummer Abe Cunningham, keyboardist Frank Delgado, and Lance Jackman—delivered a powerful set. Closing with a trio of hits, including “Change (In the House of Flies),” “Genesis,” and the fan-favorite “7 Words,” Deftones once again proved their enduring power and connection with their audience.
However, Carpenter’s future with the band remains up in the air. His mental health struggles may prevent him from touring full-time, but he remains actively involved in the band’s creative process, contributing to their distinctive sound that has made them a staple in the rock and metal scenes.
As fans continue to support Carpenter and hope for his return to the stage, his involvement with the band for Deftones’ future live performances remains uncertain. Fans will have to wait and see if Carpenter’s anxiety issues ease enough for him to rejoin his bandmates on stage.
