John Frusciante rejoins Red Hot Chili Peppers after decade away

Rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers have announced the return of beloved guitarist John Frusciante, after a decade away from the band.

In a statement, it was announced overnight the group’s current guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is leaving after taking John’s spot in 2009.

The return of the musician marks the third time John has played for the Can’t Stop hitmakers, showing he just can’t stay away from the group, made up of singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith.

A message on the band’s Instagram said: ‘The Red Hot Chili Peppers announce that we are parting ways with our guitarist of the past ten years, Josh Klinghoffer.

‘Josh is a beautiful musician who we respect and love.

‘We are deeply grateful for our time with him, and the countless gifts he shared with us.’

But when one door closes, another opens, as the statement continued: ‘We also announce, with great excitement and full hearts, that John Frusciante is rejoining our group. Thank you.’

No, thank YOU.

John was first with the rock band from 1988 until 1992, when he left to enter rehab for his drug addiction. He then rejoined in 1998 and remained with them until 2009.

Explaining his decision to leave the group, which was on a break anyway at the time, the 49-year-old musician said in 2009: ‘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 me doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways.

‘To put it simply, my musical interests have led me in a different direction.’

And now they’ve brought him right back to the group.

John – who last featured on 2006’s Stadium Arcadium – was just 18 when he joined the US band after taking the place of the late Hillel Slovak, who died after a heroin overdose.