Josh Klinghoffer Allegedly Confirms He's a Red Hot Chili Pepper

Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer has allegedly confirmed that he has replaced John Frusciante in the Red Hot Chili Peppers. MusicRadar reports that the 30-year-old, L.A.-based guitarist emailed the former owner of his website to assert that he is indeed in the band.

Last month, Frusciante announced he had left the band after news broke that the Chili Peppers had ended their hiatus and were beginning work on the follow-up to 'Stadium Arcadium' with Klinghoffer. With word coming from Klinghoffer, who has worked with PJ Harvey and has toured with Gnarls Barkley, that he is a permanent member, the Chili Peppers are whole again for live and studio work.

The band's first gig with Klinghoffer comes Jan. 29, when they honor Neil Young on behalf of MusiCares. The gig marks the group's first live appearance since it went on hiatus in May 2008.