Altitude TV has uploaded video footage (see below) of DEFTONES performing a brand new song, "Rocket Skates", late last month at this year's SmokeOut festival at the San Manuel Amphitheatre and festival grounds in San Bernardino, California.

DEFTONES bassist Chi Cheng is said to be "in semi-conscious state" following a November 2008 car accident in the middle of the recording sessions for the band's long-awaited new album, which had a previous working title of "Eros" (a title which is said to have since been scrapped).

Filling in for Chi during the DEFTONES' recent live shows has been Sergio Vega, who previously played with QUICKSAND.

Regarding the current status of the band's new CD, the DEFTONES stated in a June 2009 online posting that had decided to start anew and begin tracking an entirely new album. "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," the band explained. "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." The band hopes that the songs recorded with Chi will see the light of day eventually, but "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."

The band added that they returned "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."

Cheng is 39 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".