Anthony Kiedis on John Frusciante's first and second departure from RHCP

Anthony Kiedis, lead vocalist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, sat down with Zane Lowe to discuss the band's latest album, Unlimited Love. Here he talks about guitarist John Frusciante's first and second departure from the band, and about his comebacks.

[@bernlin2000]

John is just the best... fucking miracle he's still alive and truly at the top of his game. Anyone who's seen the documentary about John's dissolution into drugs on the 90s knows that it was very slim that he would make it out of that decade alive. Tough as nails.

[@justinjay9501]

I like his solo stuff better than the peppers anything

[@adamflp5091]

@@justinjay9501 listen to Venice queen or death of a Martian

[@derekfelix8188]

Basically, he survived what Hillel couldn't. Speaking of tormented geniuses. He had it too. Wow.

[@Labyrinth1010]

Freaking love the man. Some of his solo work is nothing short of brilliant. And of course much of his work with the Peppers.

[@TempleofAmon666]

Not the biggest rhcp fan, but I love johns solo albums.

[@emptypromises2962]

Anthony Kiedis, the worlds youngest soon to be 60-year old. He almost hasn't changed in 30 years. Amazing guy!

[@TheMaxyms]

I'd say Kirk Hamett too. Dude is just a teenager with gray hair.

[@masterlarila]

Dyeing his hair and facial hair black helps a lot. But still he does look great for 60

[@emptypromises2962]

@@masterlarila Yeah, makes you wonder about whether or not he's also dyeing his pubes. So many questions, so few answers.

[@ceciliagrantham4689]

Blood sugar sex magic........

[@carlwhissel7557]

He looks good but hasnt changed? Come on now. lol. We all age, its ok.

[@grungepants]

Anthony dresses like Charlie Chaplin now.

[@surfboarding5058]

Anthony is Charlie Chaplin reincarnated in the 90s he was a ripped long haired skater surfer dude now he’s a Charlie Chaplin with the hitler / Chaplin stache haha 😆

[@bradenrodriguez5183]

And Zane like a 16 year old hipster.

[@caperboy1169]

When he dresses

[@virginiaknighten4687]

@@caperboy1169 hahaha...

[@grungepants]

@@bradenrodriguez5183 Zane lowe is so annoying, he asks really long ass questions, just for the sake of hearing himself speak.

[@rpfcreates4476]

lol kudos to kiedis for being nice and respectful in agreeing that it was “smart” for John to leave them again. It takes a high level of maturity and sense of responsibility to consistently take the level headed approach. He easily could’ve let his darker feelings on the subject come out but leaves those out of it. Very interesting dynamic in this band. So talented and super unique people in general.

[@rickg8015]

I’ve seen that darker Kiedis side before, in on of his interviews with Conan decades ago.. Painful to watch.

[@holboroman]

Also the delight of having John, with his unique style, back better than ever nullifies any regretful feelings. I'd say there is a bit of retrospect here, understandably.

[@johnkiefer3768]

@@rickg8015 hes ego based

[@bluehacker122]

@@johnkiefer3768 used to be. he matured a lot over the years, but ppl seem to overlook it coz his stage presence is based on the "energetic , funky guy", but if u listen to some of his later interviews u can see that he is trying his best to make peace with himself and the world around him.

[@glennoc8585]

@@rickg8015 I must've missed those interviews.

[@artvandelay5157]

Anthony is a really thoughtful guy.

[@artvandelay5157]

@@user-od6jn2wv3u Yes! Also a marine biologist and an importer/exporter.

[@shomershabbos6291]

@@artvandelay5157 don't you also manifacture latex?

[@mikerusso703]

@@artvandelay5157 Are you a judge??

[@JoeV03]

@@artvandelay5157 I heard about you in the news saving a whale! You are a true hero!

[@edgarjairbalanzariofiguero7977]

Now I understand a little bit more Frusciante's life. Wooow what a good band and Friends they are!!

[@danieljensen2626]

Anthony's book covers a fair bit of what happened when John left the first time.

[@derekfelix8188]

This looks pretty interesting. It highlights the highs and lows of a complex relationship in a band. Frusciante is a different kind of person who's very unique. I like that Kiedis said it was smart to take the time away to process things. Something Flea agreed with. I'd like to see more. This gives us a different perspective into them as people. love Frusciante. What a talent.

[@lauralikessomestuff]

OHM was awesome

[@roddydykes7053]

Imagine having a sit down with this fella, the life he’s lived, the debauchery and growth through 100 lives worth of trail and error. The Chili Peppers will go down as the greatest Alternative band of all time

[@justinmanser7525]

The greatest con artists of all time you mindless weasel. Go watch Urban Dance Squad, Fishbone and 24-7 Spyz, all the bands that were shit canned by the music industry once they had these suck up puppets to fill the niche of alternative funk. They're scum, suing the fans isn't enough to get you to see that?!! Chilli pepper fans are the most prominent and we'll bred conformists to the hand of corporate rock, stupid people who have no idea what came before and the reason for the resurgence of racism around the world. Cannot have a band with black and white people mixing, or even a black man who rocks with the counter culture. These are the blow hard perspectives of the fluoridated masses, lazy and miseducated... If you hate the bands I just mentioned, after listening to them, then you can be a Chillis fan... but know what you are....

[@justinmanser7525]

BTW, I was around when the whole thing kicked off... Nirvana were ridiculed until the Kurt died... Dave Navarro couldn't deal with the shit and I have a suspicion that Fruscante was also subjected to various types of cataclysmic pretentions from the rest of the band. When they played Daytona, a guy I knew was playing with the opening act, The Prickle Dwarfs... He had been a huge fan, until he met them and he called them the most unlikeable group of junkies who acted like spoiled rich kids. Also, I have another guy who worked with a producer for the Coneheads movie who was present during the filming for the video for Soul to Squeeze. Remarkably he said exactly the same thing, called them sperm burping fuck witted moronic assholes..but he was always more tolerant than myself when it came to being critical of this steaming pile of molten horseshit that passes for music...

[@luigimacchi9525]

@@YesterdayWentTooSoon He's telling his experience, it's interesting. Only fanboys are allowed to talk about rhcp?

[@eatofthedead666]

words of wisdom mate!

[@justinmanser7525]

Thanks. Please take a moment to go watch Urban Dance Squad Fishbone, 24-7 Spyz and you'll see why I am so angry with this band. Their music is so bad too, it's like they love to drag everything down to their level... If anyone can find a great live performance by the chillis I promise I will be open minded and watch it, but every time I try it's just a thin sounding, repetitive and useless show.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

Love that all 4 of you guys are finding peace after all the pressure, drugs, and just plain growing up. It can be hard. Some don't make it : ( So it's wonderful to see ya'll make it : )

[@bernlin2000]

Definitely more evolved than most bands get, at any stage.

[@Rgdonaire_07]

I really really like one hot minute and the Dave Navarro era. I know the sound alienated from the typical rchp stuff but to me is more interesting.

[@atravelerofbothtimespace4172]

john is a true artist .god bless him .

[@Iceis_Phoenix]

The guitarist John Frusiante is a murderer. He gave River Phoenix a fatal drink at the Viper Room in 1993. He never got River help he died. John is an awful untrustworthy person. He is a 🐍 slithering. Evil and cold. A untrusting coward. He left River DIE! He is a scumbag.

[@Zeal808]

Beautiful

[@dangerdave7223]

If this isn't hipster LA I don't know what is

[@ilikechickensausages2075]

Anthony looking at full strength even at 60 year's of age🤘

[@keithferris9574]

John Frusciante is an incredible artist.

[@petermendes5938]

a genius

[@dorlynnagerard274]

Love you Anthony!!! RHCP🔥🌶️♥️🤘🤘

[@darthlazlo]

John saves that band. Literally. Hillel and John are the soul of that band. People always think it’s Flea, he’s the brains. They were always a guitar players band.

[@spookubus]

Why can’t it be both tho homie

[@darthlazlo]

@@spookubus of course it can.

[@bm3410]

Flea and Chad are the band and the musical backbone. Anthony adds his stupid shit and give them a unique sound/look. John just fits in. Literally plug anyone in for John and it still works fine. John is one of the most over-rated modern pop guitarists.

[@allthingsclassicrock]

@B M 1 you’re going to get hate for this comment but I agree with you. Growing up when we were teens my friends and thought John was good. There were some songs that were super lame in this period-especially on the btw album-but we liked his playing, never thought he elevated some of cornier stuff. I’m guessing it’s younger people or something but the Internet has definitely raised his status to cult-like. He’s good but not groundbreaking. He’s not the only one in the band. Like you said with that rhythm section it’s plug-n-play, for the most part.

[@josianidias1156]

@@bm3410 Olá, mais não seriam os mesmos com a voz única de AK

[@Slash18622]

1:36 - UFO incoming in the background. 🤯

[@surfboarding5058]

Hollywood

[@tasosdiaforetico7377]

John doing Billies

[@juanmanuelsoto605]

Anthonyyyy 🔥🔥🔥❤❤

[@jongray4924]

When I saw the thumbnail, I thought it was a homeless person doing a Charlie Chaplin imitation.

[@luigimacchi9525]

AHUAHUAHUAHUAHUUHAHUAHUAHUAHUAHUA!

[@dr.horseman4018]

He could have mentioned Josh in some capacity like he did Dave.

[@Elguapo93]

Californiacation is an amazing album.

[@anazaeid]

20 years after By The WAY.

[@azraelfirstofhisname8695]

Crazy right

[@jimshorts5970]

Who’s telling AK that’s a good look?

[@glatisant74]

I always felt the Zeppelin bond cannot be repeated. 4 strong friends 4 critical ingredient in the chemistry that all 4 are essential for the outcome. then 1 goes missing and they stop. these chaps kindof make me believe that its somewhere near there. they just got their star on the pavement the other day and so much mutual respect in their talks, pretty astonishing sayin he was "smart to leave": takes highest level of wisdom and balance, friendship and humanity to talk like that. showing a superb example.

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

I can think of a lot of bands like that.

[@marinellaottolini6890]

RHCP super fantastici 🎸

[@marythecat4182]

Anthony's "hmmm"- i like it

[@mikerusso703]

Timestamp??

[@marythecat4182]

@@mikerusso703 the very beginning

[@jestaman3356]

@@marythecat4182 lol "the very beginning." the entire video is the beginning, it's 2 minutes long. That guy asking for a timestamp lmaoooo

[@chrisbauman2562]

Hahahahah p 0:19 Anthony 100% knew exactly what you were talking about. Glad he's different and everything is smoothed over

[@tylerw.5458]

They’re all extremely talented, but to me (my opinion) The RHCP are a different band without John Frusciante… Like.. it’s similar, but It’s not The RHCP I’m use to. They’re back and I love it.. So many great memories for me (joy & pain), and I’m sure for everyone else too.. ✌🏻 & ❤️

[@jamesphillips5926]

Without John on the guitar, different band . John is a genius , he's is the final piece which fits everything together

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

@@georgegershwin327he was making archaic electronic music, like 90s jungle

[@raf4097]

Sometimes I forget to realize that these guys, John especially, have lives outside of the band. John isn’t constantly playing or holding a guitar.

[@gentleblasphemy9394]

Okay now John needs one!

[@sifender56]

Hope he's found his sweet spot.

[@pottergeist]

Some say he was pissed because Flea wanted to take 2 years off after the Stadium Arcadium tour, and then he got so hooked up on the ideia to do solo work that he just fell right into it.. Don't know if its true tho.

[@minorking1385]

Heard that too. John wanted to keep writing with RHCP. But everyone else wanted to take some time off.

[@pottergeist]

@@minorking1385 Plus that they made 28 songs and barely play some of them live

[@SasukeJR]

John's always seemed more into writing than the longer tour cycles. I think I heard at that point, John was burned out on touring and writing and recording again would just mean another tour. I think his solo work was one way to release music without needing to tour.

[@blakeandcamp]

John had already been doing solo music for years at that point. He was drifting into making more electronic music around the time Stadium Arcadium was being made and he mostly continued that for the next decade and a half until he rejoined RHCP again. John is the kind of person who cares more about the act of creating music than living the rockstar life, but I also think after being away from the band for a while he had the itch to be back with them again. AK, Flea, John, and Chad have a musical chemistry that can't be matched and I think John recognizes that and it's a big reason he keeps coming back.

[@nubianhex]

John was glad to take the 2 years off. Was so happy having free time that he decided to never go back. Flea talked to him about the idea of taking a 2 year hiatus, and John was like, "Hmmmm, how about a forever hiatus?"

[@Sprtschk]

I like how he dodged the question re: kicking John in the ass after Stone Cold Bush. I've always wondered if it was really intentional.

[@shdy14]

I love the reaction of the guy when he hears about Californication :)) 1:04

[@miklc8537]

yeah bro, yeah dude, thats cool bro, yeah thats cool dude, yeah thats live bro, yeah thats smart dude, yeah, yeah.

[@luigimacchi9525]

yeah thats smart dude, yeah, yeah

[@borrometino]

"Yeah.... yeah, super smart" 😂1:50

[@martinin5287]

The Snl performance is so raw and it feels real - it was not supposed to be like it came out and it just fits Under the bridge perfect - like somebody was about to go under the bridge - have seen it many time and think it is alluring ( Dont know if that is the right word, but yes )

[@martinin5287]

Johns seeking flea who is dressed like death or the executioner in the end, still he wants to play up against flea - the screaming parts, so good, not really playing a bad performance a little slow but cool tones. This is what myths are made of - Yin is about to loose the yang, must have been crazy. But we still talks about it and that is cool.

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

You sound super stoned I like this

[@jarkkoviitala9870]

Hello Anthony... How the world is moving.... I just love RHCP. I'm in my 20th years of hell week in my life now. My father passed 2006 and I have had no friends after that. Everybody hates me so much. I'm trying to survive. Everybody hates me for what I am. I'm all alone. Please could You help me. I know nobody can. God bless YOU Anthony ❤️

[@leoft13]

Hey man not everyone hates you, I love you! And I appreciate that our love for RHCP has brought us together in this comment section. I hope you find your peace. Always bear in mind you are some person’s reason to be happy. Stay strong!

[@glennoc8585]

Get a pet dude a dog will love you more than most humans.

[@DocRobert]

Deep

[@CP-kb1du]

Recent footage Band is playing performing on their past reputation prior to Johns 2nd Departure but they will Sell out etc venues when they tour

[@chadcognac5626]

“Yea. . . super smart . . . “ 😂

[@tomasvee8435]

say what you want about Kiedis, that dude's a fucking survivor.

[@wheres_bears1378]

Frusciante treats the chilli peppers like a side ho 😂

[@allthingsclassicrock]

Yep. Could you imagine being in a band with a flake like that and dropping whatever guitar player you have whenever they want back in? Weird relationship.

[@MarcusFenix50]

@@allthingsclassicrock If that guitarist is John Frusciante, yeah, I can imagine that. The material they've made with him is their most vital and lasting, so of course they'd wait for him and accept him back. The great thing about this band is at least they made original work with Navarro and Klinghoffer and didn't try to be what they couldn't without John.

[@allthingsclassicrock]

@@MarcusFenix50 opinions vary. I don’t think they’ve done anything really memorable with frusicante in twenty plus years. Well outside of the Tom petty rip off I guess. The latest album continues that trend imo. At least with Navarro they made a daring album despite what was going on behind the scenes. I don’t think frusicante is above reproach but maybe it’s just me. People seem to worship him.

[@ExcitedAnacondaSnake-hg8ec]

⁠​⁠@@allthingsclassicrockso you’re only discounting stadium and infinite love? That leaves all his other albums lol. With Navarro it sounded like to me they were trying to make a grunge album, including the loud quiet dynamics. Just bad corporate rock music. Hire a hot guitar player and chase trends.

[@tgchan]

is that the guy from the good ol' vh1?

[@comatosofico]

Well, i feared Tony would have only justified John for his to departures, and it's kinda like it, but still in the way he's saying it, he admits that he disappeared and re-appeared out of nowhere, what i feel curious about it's the fact that if the reason he parted from them was both of the times the stressful situation of being always on tour and under the spotlights, they're not doing much different things now that they reunite, so, is John good with that? or we could expect him to leave again?

[@rogertayloRRR]

Love how he looks like an old greek fisherman now

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

John is an AMAZING artist and artists capable of making things like he is very often come with their own baggage. I think to be a really great artist you have to be a little fucked in the head lol.

[@forthelasttime4403]

Mans literally if "age is just a number" was a person

[@fredbloggs8362]

Who’s the Kiwi? Dude nails it with the suitably vague new age pseudo hippie questions. I never really listened to much Flying Nun stuff but I heard one song by the Clean that was pretty cool.

[@julianuary]

That is Zane Lowe.

[@captzoom1778]

That's easier said than done it helps if you have a ton of money to fall back on

[@truthseeker5410]

Man…you guys need to stop coming and going!! You have it made so cut the Bs and keep making the Bomb-ass music you guys make!!!!

[@mrpowers4667]

Anthony referring to himself in all seriousness as “foolish” at an earlier stage in life while wearing that hat and jacket is a certain level of irony

[@hipsonsogbo]

I like the hat and jacket

[@GoemonLovesFujiko]

What’s wrong with his clothes?

[@GoemonLovesFujiko]

@l o l there’s nothing wrong with what he’s wearing. try switching channels once in a while and you’ll see there’s a lot of different people in this world with different ideas. Or o dunno maybe travel to a different country, or maybe a different state, or city, or at the very least out of your home and away from the internet.

[@mrpowers4667]

@@GoemonLovesFujiko it’s just a joke, no need to take it seriously.

[@aguila1077]

Can people wear whatever they want? Jesus

[@thomashogan1985]

I really wanna join stupid hat club

[@sneekyneeky8822]

RHCP are legends. But, I wouldn't go see them for $5 and a free hot dog if John wasn't going to be there

[@glennoc8585]

Yet millions of people went to converts when Dave and Josh were on guitar. I like John but for me the Rhcp are foremost Anthony and flea as they are and were the original creative powerhouses of the band. Chad is a beast on drums but if he left the band still is rebuild able. No Anthony or no flea then there's no Rhcp band.

[@keithferris9574]

I saw them at Lollapalooza in 92, with that guy Eric on guitar, and it had no magic.

[@sneekyneeky8822]

@@glennoc8585 millions of people going to see a "brand" not a band

[@captaingoodguySentientA.I.]

anthony leidis attempting to impersonate captain beefheart’s asthetic

[@bufordteejustice1119]

I appreciate Anthony being respectful , but he talks about John like he's Buddha. I wish I could take 12 years off to "process."

[@luancervantes6124]

he's just putting a lot of flowers in his words. John didn't really take 12 years off just to "process", he wanted to give his solo career a shot and the music he was making for himself was nothing like rhcp.

[@MarcusFenix50]

You could if you contributed something of value to the world like he has.

[@joeysavoie9070]

You’re telling me that isn’t Justin Long?

[@David-ix1uv]

The Navarro era wasn’t “interesting”. It was badass

[@coombecarp]

UFO at 1:38

[@phqutub]

Is he trying to channel Zappa?

[@arribaficationwineho32]

Anthony was horribly cruel to John and that is why he left.

[@Heshhion]

That Kiwi has creepy hillsong church vibes.. no thnax

[@tokyosan7906]

I think if Flea wasn't around, Frusciante's first departure would have been the only one cuz he wouldn't be back. Maybe not alive.

[@alexmcc4576]

Charlie Chaplin is doing well

[@clovergrass9439]

He looks like a modern day version of the three stooges.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

1 person looks like the 3 stooges? Think on that for a minute man. Doesn't make much sense does it?😂

[@Codacoda76]

The „water“ number, again…

[@emriesq3096]

Justin Long would be great in the bio pic

[@thrashtildeth247]

Thought he was Carrie Brownstein

[@mynameisnotyours888]

This reporter journalist whatever is pretentious and a tool ruined it for me Anthony ur the shit bro and we love u forever

[@wing8ian]

He looks like (is?) Zane Lowe… ex BBC Radio 1 DJ & MTV guy from way back…

[@Pi22aPino]

@@wing8ian yes it’s Zane Lowe

[@jamiemartin6603]

He has a book!?

[@robertcox7504]

Yea the book is called scar tissue

[@redhotchilipepper8]

Certainly an interesting read

[@goodpeopleoftheworldunite]

Yes, the book is called Emit Remmus. It was a best selling novel in the 70s, and indeed has nipple's in it.

[@banjobanjo-xn7lq]

...and after all John's leaving the band because of unwanted attention, ironically, he now has more attention than he ever would have.

[@Gbhbbgvsbnjhhdchhb]

Great to hear Anthony Keidis articulate perfectly...... except having to endure Zane Lowe's clueless opening babble.....

[@jakesmith3230]

lol

[@johnulcer]

Why does Zane Lowe always look like he's trying way too hard to be hip and trendy? Like c'mon man, you're dressed like Justin Bieber, and you're like 50.

[@rick9663]

why does he look like charle chaplin now

[@VimyScout]

Charlie Chaplin look

[@jjdogg0]

I feel so sorry for Anthony and also respect him for his money

[@antonymladineo9842]

Why the hell is he dressed like Charlie Chaplin?

[@icecreamforcrowhurst]

Why is he masquerading as Charlie Chaplin?

[@garydixon6315]

Hope John stays off the gear this time .

[@butterflymoon6368]

Is this a hologram of charlie chaplin?

[@ernestodeavila8076]

Don’t trust a guy with bangs

[@codigoanimalinc.3489]

John was just one more misguided guy, flirtin with havin more possibilities after bein in rhcp.He is by dar the most prescindible of them 4. Instead Navarro came and lit the potencial with a massive one Hot minute, problem is he wanted to play manifest shit as if he was Slash or somethin, so, in the end glad frusciante can get bak to the sensitive ass 4 fun kids

[@danielfox3003]

Why does he look like homeless Charlie Chaplin?

[@danielfox3003]

Just saw the comment below

[@sophiafake-virus2456]

This presenter always tries to fake sensitive and intimate.

[@Indygoflow1]

I love how they describe how it took John 12 years to digest something, wow his life must be so hard sitting on a fortune. These people are so phony

[@ifixboats5066]

Snowflakes

[@user-dj3fs2el3n]

John frusciante rejoined the band so Anthony wouldn't revisit Epstein Island 😢 Science

[@copyrightcharacter1166]

The truth is, John killed River Phoenix...and that's why he has been in and out of the band. I wonder if they will ever tell the truth about it to the public, we already know.

[@glennoc8585]

Oh that old story keeps coming up.

[@goodpeopleoftheworldunite]

You are a crazy person, and you are banned from shit-posting for 48 hours. And we all know the story of how River died. It's no secret. And to bring this post back round; all of that has cock-all to do with John leaving the band, especially in 2007... You crazy person.

[@brazenlilhussy5975]

And how would that explain him being in and out of the band?😂 friends who take drugs with each other die sometimes, it happens. To proclaim someone 'killed' someone when not a lick of proof exists anywhere of that fact is stupidity. Yes, they were together that night..yes River unfortunately took something that was APPARENTLY given to him by JF and sadly he passed away. Accidents happen man, especially around the drug scene.

[@copyrightcharacter1166]

@@brazenlilhussy5975 Because of the guilt. They didn't take drugs together, he gave River a spiked drink. River was out looking after Joaquin and Rain, and John gave River a dixie cup and River drank it and began to die. Enough liquid speedball to kill an elephant. River had no needle marks, no drug residue in his nose, just the black liquid from the spiked drink. Days later at a memorial for River, River's friend heard about John threatening to kill himself, but Depp went to his house said they will not be talking to the police and it's all over... they all covered it up and River's sister then went on tour as a backing signer for the Peppers on their One Hot Minute tour or whatever it was. And they never spoke about it again. Until film director William Richert began to share what River's girlfriend told him the day after River died...that John gave him a drink and it killed River. It's simply the truth. An inside secret of Hollywood.

[@copyrightcharacter1166]

@@glennoc8585 The truth always comes to light!