Speaking with Australia’s Double J, musical wizard John Frusciante shared insight on what it’s been like since he reunited with alternative icons Red Hot Chili Peppers earlier this year to record and tour. The multi-instrumental dynamo has played a critical role in his two different tenures with the group. He had a pivotal part with their multi-platnum albums ‘Californication’, ‘By The Way’, “Stadium Arcadium’, ‘Blood Sugar Sex Magik’, and;’Mother’s Milk’.
“I’ve spent half my life in the band and half my life out of the band, and I suppose that’s what I needed to keep things fresh and to not feel like I was going to become one of those people I never wanted to become, who just sort of keeps repeating themselves and gets too comfortable with the rock star mentality and rock star lifestyle,. On one hand, you want to be appreciative of the people who put you on a pedestal. On the other hand, you’ve got to keep your ego in check — you don’t want to go around thinking you’re superior to other people or letting you make them think that. I find that a juggling act, and I find ego a tricky opponent.” said Frusciante.
“It’s returning to family. I’m extremely comfortable with them,” he said of his longstanding brotherhood with band members Anthony Kiedis, Flea, and Chad Smith. “It’s as if no time had gone by at all. Basically, we’re all just as comfortable with each other as we ever were.”
Since his last departure from RHCP in 2009, Frusciante continued to make his own adventurous music including his 11th solo album ‘Maya’ which was just released on October 23rd. Check out his latest single ‘Brand E’ and expect it to be quite different from the Chili Peppers.
