John Frusciante Departs Red Hot Chili Pepper

This is the note John had made in Myspace regarding his departure from Red Hot Chili Pepper:

Thursday, December 17, 2009
   
Clarification
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 my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways.

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

I really love the band and what we did. 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.

Sending love and gratitude to you all.

:-)

Drama or no drama, this is a reason to be heartbroken for all of John's and RHCP's fans worldwide. I  have never been a fan for RHCP, but I do feel that "John Frusciante quits RHCP" is rather shocking and uncalled for--only seconded by Jason Newstead and Metallica episode I think. Especially regarding  how well John and his band mates (Flea, Anthony Kiedis and Chad whathisname) groove together all this time. John Frusciante is by far the best RHCP guitarist (no offense, Dave), and by this reason alone, I do pity whomever be chosen to replace him (I wish him the best, though).

Them Crooked Vultures

Them Crooked Vultures or TCV is a new band with not so new members. Those are Dave Grohl (best known as Nirvana's powerful drummer, Foo Fighters' front-man and Probot's collaborator), Josh Homme (better known as Queen Of Stone Age's frontman, standout member of Kyuss and Eagles of Death Metal and em... Brody Dale's hubby) and the great John Paul Jones of Led Zeppelin. On the stage, they often backed-up by Alain Johannes (don't know who he is, sorry) on guitar.

What a name and what a lineup, huh? They played in Europe several times. Among those, are Pukkelpop, Lowlands Festival, Brixton Academy and Reading Festival.

For me, it's good to see Dave Grohl back on the drum set again (his strokes are as powerful as ever!). It felt greater than when he helped QOTSA in some of the latter's singles, because in Them Crooked Vultures he is in the band, and not just a featured artist/additional player (albeit a great one) in others' band. In my opinion, TCV by far is the mother of all rock stars' collaboration, not just some lame gathering of aging, due to bankruptcy, rock stars had-beens we all hate.

TCV is a legacy of rock n roll spirit itself, polished in whatever mood and style Dave, Josh and John happen to conspire. I do hope that this cool project continues on with the original lineup (unlike other collaborations, TCV won't be the same without one of the three, which is why make it so special).

There's one problem though. What do you think will happen if Foo Fighters, Queen Of The Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures happen to be scheduled to play in the same festival at the same day? Hahah. I bet that would be a hard day for both Dave and Josh. And I want to see that!

Click here to hear Them Crooked Vultures's singles: Gunman. Enjoy (thanks to TCV and the original uploader).