Deftones - Abe Cunningham Drummer Profile & Gear | MetalForge
Deftones, formed in 1988 in Sacramento, blend heavy music with atmospheric, shoegaze textures.
Explore Abe Cunningham's dynamic drumming with Deftones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the drummer for Deftones?
Abe Cunningham has been Deftones' drummer since co-founding the band in 1988, aside from a brief 1990-1993 absence before the band's first studio album, and has played on every Deftones studio album since Adrenaline (1995).
What happened to bassist Chi Cheng?
Founding bassist Chi Cheng was left in a minimally conscious state after a November 2008 car accident and died in 2013. Quicksand bassist Sergio Vega, who had filled in previously, became his full-time replacement.
Did Deftones always have their classic lineup?
No. Before recording any studio album, Abe Cunningham briefly left the band from 1990 to 1993 (with Dominic Garcia and John Taylor covering drums), returning in 1993 to record 1995's Adrenaline with the lineup that became the band's classic era.
Who plays bass for Deftones now?
Fred Sablan has served as Deftones' touring bassist since 2022, following Sergio Vega's 2021 departure, and played on the 2025 album Private Music.
Who played drums on Deftones's "Adrenaline"?
Abe Cunningham played drums on "Adrenaline" (1995).
Who played drums on Deftones's "Private Music"?
Abe Cunningham played drums on "Private Music" (2025).