Fans of the popular California-based rock collective, Red Hot Chili Peppers, can rejoice with the band’s recent announcement of guitarist John Frusciante rejoining the band to record their forthcoming twelfth full length studio album. The news of Frusciante’s return to the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ lineup since their ninth studio album, 2006’s double disc Stadium Arcadium, was confirmed by Red Hot Chili Peppers’ drummer, Chad Smith. According to Consequence of Sound on Wednesday, January 8 Smith, “…confirmed that the band is currently ‘writing a new record.'”
As previously reported in Rolling Stone, during an interview at Smith’s art exhibit he disclosed as much as he could about new Red Hot Chili Peppers music as well as Frusciante’s return after over a 10-year hiatus. Smith commented saying, “‘I was given strict orders for this interview: ‘DON’T TALK ABOUT THE BAND,’ he says. ‘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.'”
The band’s origins commence circa 1983 and has had a tumultuous ride to the top. Their colorful background in the music industry had made them a staple of alternative rock music with elements of funk and punk music that surges through their body of work. A consistent interchangeable touring roster makes the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s discography vary in shifts in tone of their music, but their signature sound has remained at their core in the duration of the band’s highs and lows. The collective’s current lineup includes the infectiously creative talents comprised of frontman Anthony Kiedis (lead vocals), Flea (bass/backing vocals), Chad Smith (drums) and John Frusciante (guitar/keyboards/backing vocals). The inclusion of Frusciante is crucial being that he was a part of Red Hot Chili Pepper’s seminal albums. As previously noted in the aforementioned Consequence of Sound article, “…Frusciante was also instrumental in some of the band’s most beloved ‘releases, such as Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication, and By the Way.”
The announcement of Frusciante’s return to the group coincides with last month’s announcement of former Red Hot Chili Peppers’ lead guitarist Josh Klinghoffer’s departure. As previously reported here on mxdwn the amicable split from Klinghoffer was announced via Instagram, “Red Hot Chili Peppers announced guitarist John Frusciante is making his return to the band. The announcement also declares former guitarist Josh Klinghoffer’s departure…”
The aforementioned Consequence of Sound article concludes with “As Smith himself pointed out, Chili Peppers have begun to fill up their tour schedule with several festival appearances, including the Gulf Shores’ Hangout Festival, Boston Calling, BottleRock in Napa Valley. You can find tickets to all of the band’s upcoming dates here.”
Photo Credit: Boston Lynn Schulz