John Frusciante rejoins Red Hot Chili Peppers for a second time
He's back!
Last updated 7th Sep 2021
Esteemed guitarist John Frusciante has rejoined Red Hot Chili Peppers for a second time.
The Los Angeles band released a statement on Instagram confirming that Josh Klinghoffer, who replaced John Frusciante in Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2009, is leaving the band after a 10-year tenure.
They added that Frusciante will be returning to the group more than a decade after he quit in July 2008.
“The Red Hot Chili Peppers announce that we are parting ways with our guitarist of the past ten years, Josh Klinghoffer,” the band wrote.
“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.”
They continued: “We also announce, with great excitement and full hearts, that John Frusciante is rejoining our group.”
John Frusciante departed Red Hot Chili Peppers in amicable circumstances in July 2009 when the band were on a hiatus.
He said at the time that there was “no drama or anger involved” in the decision and said Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Chad Smith were “very understanding”.
“They are supportive of me doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways,” Frusciante said. “To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction.”
Four years after he first joined the group, Frusciante previously exited Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992 and was invited back into the fold in 1998.
Josh Klinghoffer contributed to two RHCP albums during his decade long stint with the band – 2011’s ‘I’m With You’ and 2016’s ‘The Getaway’.