In an interview, the Red Hot Chili Peppers spoke about reuniting with John Frusciante. A great event, which even made one or the other cry with joy.
“To be honest, the biggest event was John coming back to the band,” says frontman Anthony Kiedis in an interview with “NME“. “It was the most monumental change in our lives. And by God, was I ready for it.”
Frusciante was the guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers from 1988 to 1992 and from 1998 to 2008. During this period, the musicians released some of their best-known albums together, including “Californication”, “By The Way” and “Stadium Arcadium”. But in 2008, Frusciante wanted to focus on his solo career and left the group. In his place, the Red Hot Chili Peppers hired Josh Klinghoffer.
“It would be nice to work with John again”
In the new formation, the Red Hot Chili Peppers continued to make music, produced albums and went on world tours. But after the last performances and back in the studio, Kiedis and bassist Flea noticed that something was missing. “The production of the new long player just progressed slowly without having a specific direction,” says Kiedis. “And then, independently of each other, Flea and I felt an urge inside of us that said, ‘It would be nice to work with John again.’ Much time had passed, but he returned to our circles after a long absence.”
Frusciante felt the same way at the time: “I had the feeling that a reunion was in the air. Flea put this idea in my head. And then I played some guitar and I was like, ‘I haven’t written rock music in so long. Am I even capable of it anymore?’”
As luck would have it, the guitarist wrote “Black Summer” on that very day. The song that would be the first single from the upcoming Red Hot Chili Peppers album.
After more than ten years, Frusciante rejoined the band
In 2019 the time had finally come. After more than ten years, Frusciante once again became part of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. However, there was not enough space for two guitarists. Klinghoffer had to leave the band. A decision that was not easy. “It was a big change for us when Josh left us,” explains Flea. “He accompanied us for ten years and the decision was extremely difficult for us. Not only was he a great musician, but he was also an attentive and supportive team player – a kind and smart person with a sense of community.” Flea adds: “But on an artistic level, I mean the ability with the same [musikalischen] Communicating in language was easier with John. Being in the same room again and just letting things take their course… that was really exciting.”
Only one person was missing to complete the Peppers line-up at that time: Rick Rubin. The producer behind perhaps the band’s most memorable albums, and therefore an “obvious choice,” according to Kiedis. The reunion was also emotional for Rubin. “I was there for the first rehearsal after John rejoined the band and I cried,” says the producer on the podcast This Is Jericho. “It was so overwhelming to see this group of people together again because they’ve been making incredibly good music for so long and it touched me emotionally.”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers finally produced their new album together with Rubin. “Unlimited Love” will be released on April 1st, 2022. “It sounds like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but it’s different and new and I think that’s great. We really like it and we’re proud of it, and that’s the most important thing,” says Peppers drummer Chad Smith.