Hughes was first introduced to Watt by friend and fellow musician Julian Lennon on February 9, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.[1] After the guitarist emailed Hughes some of his music, Hughes recalls that he "heard a good writer, a good guitar player, and a good singer, three things that are important", at which point he decided to enlist him in his new band.[1]
A few days after meeting, Hughes and Watt quickly wrote two songs together – "Chemical Rain" and "Solo" – both of which were later included on the band's debut album.[2] Speaking about this meeting, Hughes recalls that he "was so moved by the music, I said, 'We've got to record this!'", at which point he called Bonham to finalise the group's lineup.[2] Citing bands such as Rush and Cream, the two decided against adding a keyboardist to their band, and instead progress as a power trio.[1]
Throughout the rest of 2013, the three-piece recorded 12 songs for its debut album, all of which were credited equally among all three members.[2] On February 6, 2014, the announcement of the formation of California Breed was made, as well as the news of first single "Midnight Oil".[2] In March, it was announced that the band would release its debut album, California Breed, in May.[3] Upon release, the album reached number 78 on the Billboard 200, number 22 on Top Rock Albums, and topped the Top Hard Rock Albums chart.[4] Outside of the US, it reached number 26 on the UK Albums Chart,[5] topped the UK Rock Albums Chart,[6] and charted in a number of European territories.
The band's debut live performance took place on May 28 at the Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, California.[7] The setlist included all 13 songs from the album, plus cover versions of Led Zeppelin's "What Is and What Should Never Be" and "Immigrant Song", and songs by Hughes's previous bands Trapeze ("Medusa") and Deep Purple ("Burn").[8]
2014–2015: Lineup change and breakup
In August 2014, it was announced that Bonham had left the group prior to the band's upcoming UK tour, with the announcement citing "professional commitments" as the reason preventing his continued involvement.[9][10] He was replaced by Joey Castillo, and Bonham later added to the news by stating that, "I love those guys – but it wasn't going to work out for me. I will support them as I love the band I helped create, and Joey is great."[9][10] Hughes later confirmed that Bonham's departure was permanent, explaining that, "his other commitments were getting in the way of his California Breed schedule. I have no disrespect for Jason, only tonnes of love. It's just that he chose to work with other people when in fact he should be working with California Breed."[11]
On January 15, 2015, it was announced that California Breed had split up, with the band announcing on its Twitter page that "We are no more… another thing we couldn't keep together."[12][13] Watt later added his own thoughts on the announcement, adding "I put everything I had into this band. All I can say is I was in it for the long haul. This is not the end – it is truly the beginning."[12][13] A few days later, Hughes elaborated on the breakup, stating that it was not right to continue the band without the original lineup of himself, Watt and Bonham.[14]
