Frusciante Confirms Departure Post by: Eddie Ruckus - Rockin' Blogger 18 December, 2009 - 5:57 AM

Turns out those Chili Pepper fellas sure know how to keep a secret.

John Frusciante yesterday confirmed what we told at the start of the week – that he’s left the Red Hot Chili Peppers … again.

What we didn’t know – he actually left a year ago!!!

Frusciante has released a statement via his MySpace page saying: “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 my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways.”

Well, let’s see how RCHP fans feel about it, mate.

Of course, as every Chili Peppers’ fan knows, the guitarist originally joined the band as a kid in 1988, but left four years later. He then returned in 1998.

Frusciante went on to say in his MySpace announcement: “To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction.

“I really love the band and what we did. I understand and value that my work with them means a lot to many people, but I have to follow my interests. For me, art has never been something done out of a sense of duty. It is something I do because it is really fun, exciting, and interesting.

“Over the last 12 years, I have changed, as a person and artist, to such a degree that to do further work along the lines I did with the band would be to go against my own nature. There was no choice involved in this decision. I simply have to be what I am, and have to do what I must do.”

The Chili Peppers are due to perform at the annual MusiCares charity show in LA on January 20. Their replacement guitarist for the moment is a dude named Josh Klinghoffer.

Is anyone here a fan of Frusciante’s solo stuff? Has he just made the biggest mistake of his career, for a second time?

Leave your comment

• Nelse says

  I'm a big fan of his solo stuff. It's got a unique sound to it. The Empyrean was particularly good. But I'm really disappointed he's left the Chili's. His harmonies really made the last few albums stand out and in the band he has room to shred.

  But as they say all good things must come to an end and you can't blame him for wanting change.

  Posted Friday 18 December, 2009 8:56 AM
• Ian YARDLEY says

  Shattered, Shattered, Shattered. This may spell the end of the Peppers as no one can replicate the sound of John Frusciante.
  

  We will miss you John and all the best.

  Posted Friday 18 December, 2009 6:23 PM
• Peter Gero says

  He's a Pisces, don't worry he'll come back.

  Posted Friday 18 December, 2009 8:46 PM
• J says

  WTF!!!
  

  I like John's solo stuff, but I can't believe he left..

  RHCP will never sound the same.. and I thought Josh was going to help John and his solo stuff...
  

  I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS!!!!!!!

  Posted Saturday 19 December, 2009 7:31 PM
• Anthony says

  WHAT?! RHCP wont be the same without him. And his solo stuff is brilliant, anyone that dislikes it needs to learn an instrument and respect.

  I've seen RHCP play at the '07 Leeds Festival and at the end of the set they said this will be one of the last times you will ever see RCHP out in full. At the time didn't make much sense but there you go.

  Posted Wednesday 23 December, 2009 11:28 AM
• Max says

  Frusciante's undeniable talent and style will definetly be missed, although if he wants to continue with his solo work, so be it.

  Let's hope Josh Klinghoffer can keep the chili's unique sound.

  good luck JF

  Posted Tuesday 5 January, 2010 4:24 PM
• David says

  Loved blood sugar and mothers milk.......the rest of it took the dick!

  Posted Friday 8 January, 2010 10:47 AM