John Frusciante Confirms He Left Red Hot Chili Peppers

John Frusciante has confirmed that he has indeed left the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In an open letter to fans, the band guitarist says he actually split from the band in 2008.

"When I quit the band, over a year ago, we were on an indefinite hiatus," Frusciate wrote on in an open letter to his fans. "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."

"I really love the band and what we did," Frusciante added. "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".

Frusciante, who first joined the band in 1989 only to quit in 1992 and rejoin again in 1999, explained his decision to depart again. "To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction," he said. "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".

The Chili Peppers have allegedly reconvened to begin work on their next studio album with in-demand L.A. guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. There has been no official word, however, if Klinghoffer -- who has worked with PJ Harvey and has toured with Gnarls Barkley -- will be named a permanent member. The Chili Peppers are slated to honor Neil Young next month by appearing at a MusiCares event, making their first appearance together since going on hiatus in May 2008.