It was quite a surprise a few weeks back when Boston Calling announced Red Hot Chili Peppers as a co-headliner of its Spring 2020 festival, alongside Foo Fighters and an as-of-yet unnamed third act. Well, here’s something that’s also pretty surprising: John Frusciante is back in the band.
A post on the Chili Peppers’ Instagram page revealed the news Sunday afternoon (December 15).
Frusciante, who played guitar in RHCP from 1988 to 1992 and again from 1998 to 2009, playing on five of the band’s studio albums, including classics like Mother’s Milk (1989), Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), and Californication (1999), will replace Josh Klinghoffer, who joined in 2010. At the time, Klinghoffer, coincidentally, replaced Frusciante.
“The Red Hot Chili Peppers announce that we are parting ways with our guitarist of the past ten years, Josh Klinghoffer,” the post states. “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. We also announce, with great excitement and full hearts, that John Frusciante is rejoining the group. Thank you.”
Boston Calling goes down May 22 to 24 at the Harvard Athletic Complex in Allston.