New Chili Pepper. Yes, John Left (Again) Last Month

I hope the headline did not surprise you, since it is no secret, that since some months ago, when RHCP finally resumed from the hiatus they had set themselves in after the promotion of their 2006 album Stadium Arcadium, that guitarist and successful solo artist, had split from the band. Frusciante released the critically acclaimed The Empyrean last year, and I would guess (a little lazy to research), that he wants to focus on his solo career. Frusciante was only 17 when he joined the peppers after the death, due to drug abuse of guitarist Hillel Slovak. Frusciante surprised the band members enough to make him part of the gang, and along with him, the band recorded what is considered to be their best record, Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik. Unfortunately Frusciante fell victim to drug consumption and was near a young death. All this is documented on a film, of which I also don't recall the name at the moment. John managed to live through it, and after been clean he rejoined the peppers and made another pretty good albums, 1999s Californication, 2002s By the Way and 2006s double album, the beforementioned Stadium Arcadium, after which, as also told before, the band went into a hiatus. On the course of the last year, bassist Flea (Michael Balzary) was associated in a project with Radiohead's frontman Thom Yorke, and drummer Chad Murray also formed part of the super-group Chickenfoot, with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai.
The band are currently recording what would be their 10th album, but since Frusciante made his departure public last December, we didn't know who will fill the spot. Recent news announce that the replacement goes by the name of Josh Klinghoffer, whose CV include working with PJ Harvey and touring with Gnarls Barkley. Unfortunately, however positive I am, RHCP have never made a good album without the help of John and his melody, charisma and back-up vocals is what makes the chili's so special. I predict a near end, though if they keep up, I don't doubt John will rejoin.