A Positive Relief
John Frusciate
In recent interviews the US super group Red Hot Chili Peppers have admitted that the departure of their former lead guitarist, John Frusciante, was a “relief, but a positive relief”. That’s something most Chili Pepper fans thought they would never hear, but the band were careful to emphasise that Frusciante will be missed and his contributions to the band’s undoubted success cannot be overestimated.
In a series of interviews with the world’s music press to promote their new studio album I’m With You, which is released on the 30th August, and their forthcoming world including dates in the UK and Ireland, the band have openly talked about how the loss of Frusciante, although disappointing in some respects, has been liberating. As Flea, band bassist, commented “This is a re-birth……Life in the band’s just beautiful”.
Frusciante joined the band way back in 1989, in time to play on the album Mother’s Milk, but was forced to quit for the first time in 1992 due to personal issues including depression and drug dependency. During Frusciante’s first stint with the band they recorded the album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, which was a massive success. The popularity of the band following the release of the album is often cited as one of the reason Frusciante felt he couldn’t continue.
One Hot Minute – Critical Disaster
One Hot Minute - Critical Disaster
The years of Frusciante’s absence were relatively barren with only the album One Hot Minute, a critical disaster, being released. The return of a clean Frusciate marked an upswing in the fortunes and the sound of the band as they went on to record Californication, By The Way and Stadium Arcadium – all popular and acclaimed pieces of work.
With this background it would be easy to see why the second departure of Frusciate would be seen as a possible disaster. The attitude of the band during interviews showed that the situation is entirely the opposite – Frusciante’s quitting the band is regarded as a new beginning, although there was no denying his immense contributions.
Frontman Anthony Kiedis said it best “The time John revealed his plans to move on was something everyone had sensed and was emotionally prepared for. You can’t carry someone who doesn’t want to be there – not that he was kicking and screaming. He played his ass off until the last note so his departure was a relief, but a positive relief”.
“I thought we’d never do it without John”
Bassist Flea added “I thought we’d never do it without John – it would be stupid to try. But then when he left, I was presented with this new reality of what it was and it made me realise we had t go on and could go on”.
Josh Klinghoffer
It’s helped that Frusciante’s replacement had adjusted well to life with the band. Josh Klinghoffer, a former session guitarist with PJ Harvey, Beck and Gnarls Barkley, has the respect of the other band members and they seem extremely relaxed in each other’s company. As well as the contributions of a different guitarist the band have evolved in other ways. Flea has learned to play the piano after taking music classes at the University of Southern California and he has a greater input on the current album, taking Frusciante’s reins.
What Will The Critics Say About The New Album?
It remains to be seen whether the new album will be a success with fans and music critics. The first absence of Frusciante was deeply noted, but this time around the energy, positivity and overall feel is a good one. The band is looking to the future and I would not be surprised if I’m With You follows in the footsteps of their last three albums in selling lots of records and ensuring their world tour fills arenas all round the globe.
BritEvents have Red Hot Chili Pepper tickets available for their world tour, which kick starts off in the UK on the 7th November in the O2 Arena in Greenwich, London and finishes at the LG Arena in Birmingham on the 20th November.
BritEvents are hopefully going to be there so watch this space for a BritEvents.com review of this awesome band! See you there!!!
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