Guitarist John Frusciante Rejoins the Red Hot Chili Peppers — Again?

Jessica Shalvoy

Updated December 16, 2019 at 10:28 AM

The Red Hot Chili Peppers revealed today that guitarist John Frusciante, who has been a member two previous times, is back in the band, replacing guitarist Josh Klinghoffer.

“The Red Hot Chili Peppers announce that we are parting ways with our guitarist of the past ten years, Josh Klinghoffer,” the California rockers stated in an Instagram post. “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.”

Klinghoffer originally toured with the band as a second guitarist and replaced Frusciante (pictured above, second from right, with the group in 2007) after he left in 2009. Klinghoffer’s run included the group’s last two albums, 2011’s “I’m With You” and 2016’s “The Getaway.”

Burying the lead in their announcement, the group added, “We also announce, with great excitement and full hearts, that John Frusciante is rejoining our group.”

Frusciante first joined the band in 1988, in the wake of founding guitarist Hillel Slovak’s death from a drug overdose. He was the band’s guitarist during the run-up to its commercial peak, playing a significant role in 1989’s “Mother’s Milk” and 1991’s acclaimed “Blood Sugar Sex Magik,” the latter of which broke the group into mainstream success via hits like “Give It Away” and “Under the Bridge.” However, he left in 1992 (and was replaced for an album by ex-Jane’s Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro) before rejoining for 1999’s “Californication,” 2002’s “By the Way” and 2006’s “Stadium Arcadium”. He split for a second time during the band’s hiatus in 2009 to focus on his solo career.

On his decision to leave in 2009, Frusciante explained, “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.”

Perhaps the third time will be the charm for Frusciante and founding members Anthony Kiedis and Flea, and drummer Chad Smith who joined the band with the guitarist in 1988: The group already has 2020 performances scheduled for the Hangout fest and Boston Calling.