John Frusciante Officially Quits Red Hot Chili Peppers

Long time, Chili Peppers member, John Frusciante has officially resigned from Red Hot Chili Peppers. To put all the rumors to rest, Frusciante himself wrote on his blog that he would be leaving the band. Frusciante seemed to be having issue with the group for some time, so this should come as no big surprise. Apparently “There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding.” He simply no longer feels inspired by the direction of the band is taking, and feels his future lies in other musical ventures.

The group seems to be wasting no time finding a replacement for Frusciante. Current band member, Josh Klinghoffer, who has toured with the group in the past and played with Frusciante on his solo albums, is still rumored to be the replacement for the group.

Here is what Frusciante had to say about leaving…

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.

To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction. Upon rejoining, and throughout my time in the band, I was very excited about exploring the musical possibilities inherent in a rock band, and doing so with those people in particular. A couple of years ago, I began to feel that same excitement again, but this time it was about making a different kind of music, alone, and being my own engineer.

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.

Sending love and gratitude to you all.

He even ended the story with a simply face. How sweet. Either he’s trying to play nice or things really are this simple.

As much as people will be looking to find drama in the situation it sound like all parties have acted maturally and with what’s best for the band and themselves. I guess when you’ve been around for a couple of decades you start to get this kind of stuff under control.

What do you think of Frusciante leaving the Chili Peppers? Will it be as good without him?