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Why John Frusciante Walked Away From the Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Height of Their Breakthrough

John Frusciante’s first departure from the Red Hot Chili Peppers came at the height of their popularity, blindsiding his fans and bandmates.

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Guitarist John Frusciante was a crucial member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers during their mainstream breakthrough. But at the height of their fame, he walked away from it all. He didn’t return until 1999, contributing to Californication and the Chili Peppers’ comeback.

Frusciante has left and rejoined the band several times over the years. While his current tenure seems to have stuck, it’s a curious situation overall. What made the guitarist leave the band he helped make famous twice? And what made him want to return?

It begins in 1984, when Frusciante first discovered the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He grew close with Hillel Slovak, idolizing and studying the guitarist’s style and learning all he could. Frusciante wasn’t initially familiar with the Chili Peppers’ funk-rock style. But through his friendship with Slovak, he quickly learned. He also had instant chemistry with bassist Flea, which helped when he auditioned for the Chili Peppers after Slovak’s death in 1988.

Frusciante contributed to Mother’s Milk in 1989, then Blood Sugar Sex Magik in 1991. By then, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were breaking through, bolstered by a more polished studio sound and a little less acid in their funk. However, while RHCP were touring Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Frusciante quit the band unexpectedly.

John Frusciante Felt Called To Quit Red Hot Chili Peppers After Their 1991 Breakthrough Album, but Couldn’t Explain Why

“I had a weird premonition that I should quit immediately after I finished my........

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