After confirming late last year that estranged guitarist John Frusciante is back in the fold, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer, Chad Smith has let it slip in a recent interview that the reunited lineup are working on a new album. 

Talking to Rolling Stone about his new art exhibition, currently on display at the Russell Collection Fine Art gallery in Austin, Smith confirmed that the band, including Frusciante – who played on the band's classic albums – have been writing new material.

"I was given strict orders for this interview: ‘DON’T TALK ABOUT THE BAND,'" Smith tells Rolling Stone. "But, yes, John is back in the band, and everyone knows that. We’re psyched. 

"The festivals are the only shows booked. For now, we’ll mostly be concentrating on new songs and writing a new record. We’re all real excited to make new music."

When asked to clarify if that means the band are in the middle of recording new music, Smith replied: "Yes. That’s all I can say."

Red Hot Chili Peppers announced the return of John Frusciante in December last year “with great excitement and full hearts,” capping off a massive year of reunions that saw Rage Against the Machine, My Chemical Romance and Motley Cre all announcing comebacks.

It will be Frusciante’s third stint with the Chili Peppers since he initially joined the group in 1988. The guitarist played on their breakthrough albums Mother’s Milk in 1989 and 1991’s Blood Sugar Sex Magik. He returned in 1999 for Californication, By The Way, and Stadium Arcadium, before departing again in 2009.

We sure can’t wait to hear what they have in store for us next!

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