Red Hot Chili Peppers have taken to Instagram over the weekend to drop some huge news! Revealing that longtime guitarist, John Frusciante is officially rejoining the band after a decade long hiatus, with Josh Klinghoffer, set to depart the band.
“The Red Hot Chili Peppers announce that we are parting ways with our guitarist of the past ten years, Josh Klinghoffer,” they explained. “Josh is a beautiful musician who we respect and love. We are deeply grateful for our time with him, and the countless gifts he shared with us.”
However, they weren’t quite done yet, adding that the band's longtime guitarist will be returning to the fold.
“We also announce, with great excitement and full hearts, that John Frusciante is rejoining our group.”
The reunion marks Frusciante’s third stint with Red Hot Chili Peppers. He originally joined the band in 1988 when he was just 18-year-old, following the death of guitarist Hillel Slovak. Frusciante featured on the band’s fourth album in 1989, Mother’s Milk and their 1991 breakthrough Blood Sugar Sex Magik which topped charts around the world and made the Chili Peppers a defining act of the era.
Red Hot Chili Peppers | “Give It Away Now”
Struggling with the trappings fame and battling his own addiction issues, Frusciante announced his departure from the group in 1992. He was replaced then by Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro for their One Hot Minute album in 1994.
Six years later, Frusciante rejoined the Chili Peppers for their 1999 album Californication and stayed on for 2002’s By the Way and 2006’s Stadium Arcadium. In 2009, Frusciante left the band once again and was replaced on a full-time basis by their backup touring guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, who remained a member for their two most recent studio albums, 2011’s I’m With You and 2016’s The Getaway. In 2012, Klinghoffer became the youngest-ever living inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Speaking of his decision to leave in 2009, Frusciante explained: “When I quit the band, over a year ago, we were on an indefinite hiatus. There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding. They are supportive of me doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways. To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction.”
Red Hot Chili Peppers have so far booked a series of 2020 US shows for May next year. At this stage, there’s been no news as to whether classic-era lineup will be making its way down under, but with these exciting times ahead we’re certainly keeping our fingers crossed!
Listen to Blood Sugar Sex Magik on Spotify:
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