John Frusciante Rejoins Red Hot Chili Peppers

2019-12-16

Red Hot Chili Peppers singer Anthony Kiedis – Story by Kevin Toby, photo by Anne Erickson

Longtime guitarist John Frusciante is back with his main band, Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers made a major announcement Sunday night (Dec. 15), and it came as a surprise to many fans, but a good surprise.

On social media, the California band announced they will no longer be rocking their guitarist of 10 years, Josh Klinghoffer. There are no hard feelings, the band said. “Josh is a beautiful musician who we respect and love,” the Peppers stated. “We are deeply grateful for our time with him, and the countless gifts he shared with us.”

Why is Klinghoffer leaving the band? Well, the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ longtime lead guitarist John Frusciante is back and will return to the Peppers for his third stint with the funk rockers. The band confirmed the news Sunday, stating the official announcement came “with great excitement and full hearts.”

Frusciante, who stepped in for Hillel Slovak in 1988, has parted ways with the Peppers twice. The first time was in 1992, and then again in 2009 after returning in 1998. He performs on five popular Chili Peppers albums, including the band’s landmark “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” record and their hugely successful “Californication.” The Peppers didn’t explain why Klinghoffer left the band.

With Frusciante, the current Red Hot Chili Peppers lineup features founding members Anthony Kiedis and Flea, as well as longtime drummer Chad Smith and Frusciante.