John Frusciante leaves the Chili Peppers... again
 

"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."

This was posted to John Frusciante's blog yesterday, confirming a lot of speculation that he was planning to go his own way and leave the Chili Peppers.

Any fans out there in the Dirty Forums?... I know i see him as one of the best living guitarists in the business today. And whatever about the generally poor quality of Stadium Arcadium what i am really going to miss is the jamming that is so unique to the Chili Peppers when they are letting loose.

Thats a quality that just doesnt come across in the solo albums he releases... he is a very funky man... and i just hope that he continues to release at least a little funk in the future... but it wont be the same without the other members i dont think

Re: John Frusciante leaves the Chili Peppers... again
 

I'm the opposite, absolutely love his solo albums but not fond of the Chilis at all these days, a couple of songs here and there aside. Admittedly The Empyrean wasn't his strongest effort, but I'd take Curtains, The Will To Death, Niandra LaDes or the Ataxia albums over anything of the Chilis any day. I'm glad he's focussing on his solo stuff properly now.
I wonder whether RHCP will bother getting back together from their hiatus now.

Re: John Frusciante leaves the Chili Peppers... again
 

Oh dont get me wrong I am a huge fan of his solo work too... all i feel is missing in his solo work is the funk... I love curtains and the will to death, that series of 6 albums was really interesting and showed how creative he could be.. his work with Ataxia is a bit hard to manage but its still interesting. The Empyrean was good in parts, especially the cover (2nd song forgotten the name!!!) which was utterly fantastic.. I think the stark difference between that album and Stadium Arcadium pretty much shows how different a direction he has gone from the band.

Even writing stadium arcadium makes me think im writing about McFly or something... it was real crap in places and lacked any real creativity. But By the Way and Californication I think are real strong albums - whatever about the great stuff before Frusciante went AWOL.

I believe they are still going ahead with a new album and have recruited Josh Klinghoffer (spelling!! the guy who worked with frusciante on a few of his solo albums)

They have a short gig soon too... so that will be interesting to see... maybe it has already happened!? i dunno...

shit happens i guess anyway... this is probably a blessing in disguise

Re: John Frusciante leaves the Chili Peppers... again
 

http://www.nme.com/news/red-hot-chili-peppers/49518

Oooo look they unveiled him at a neil young tribute... there is a video too here

Re: John Frusciante leaves the Chili Peppers... again
 

Ah wow, didn't think they'd get Josh as replacement. That's fairly incestuous.
Either way, I'm hoping this means more John solo.