Reunited with their chart-topping guitarist, fans of the band hope their new album recaptures the magic they know and love.

By Nisvan Guzman, Staff Reporter.

It has been over a decade since the Red Hot Chili Peppers have created a buzz in the music world. Their last two albums flew under the radar with most audiences. 

Now, the nearly 60-year-old rockers have completed a new album that has fans excited again because, for the first time in 14 years, they are reunited with their longtime chart-topping and acclaimed guitarist/songwriter, John Frusciante and legendary music producer Rick Rubin.

The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1984 by high school classmates, Anthony Kiedis (vocalist), Michael Balzary aka Flea (bassist), and Jack Irons (ex-drummer). Their musical influences include funk and rock. After their original guitar player, Hiliel Slovak, died of an accidental drug overdose in 1986 the band recruited the young guitar phenom, John Frusciante, and heavy-hitting drummer, Chad Smith.

The lineup has stayed intact for nearly three decades, with Frusciante making two departures first in 1992 and again in 2008 leaving the band due to artistic differences.

Their upcoming album “Unlimited Love” is set for release on April 1, 2022, and will be followed by a worldwide stadium tour kicking off in Europe in June.

The album will contain 17 brand-new tracks and will be released on all digital platforms as well as physical formats including CD, vinyl, and even cassette tape. For fans hoping to own a special version of the album, there are limited-edition ruby and cobalt versions of the vinyl record.

“Each of the songs on our new album ‘Unlimited Love’, is a facet of us, reflecting our view of the universe. This is our life’s mission.” the band said in an email sent out to fans. 

The first single, “Black Summer”, is out now and has fans reminiscing on the sound they know and love from the band.

Jasmine Garcia, host of Eclectic Waves on KDHR Radio said, “I thought [the new song] brought me back to their music. It was a very familiar sound,” 

In a social media survey conducted on the CSUDH Bulletin Instagram out of 43 students, more than a third of students voted “Californication” as their all-time favorite RHCP song. The 1999 hit was one of the first songs the band wrote when Frusciante rejoined the group. Known for his ability to create catchy guitar melodies and provide complimentary backing vocals, fans hope Frusciante can bring the magic touch back to the band.

“I think it’s great that he’s returning and I’m very excited,” Garcia said of Frusciante’s return. 

For comparison, the last RHCP album, “The Getaway” (2016), sold half a million copies in the U.S. and the last album with Frusciante, “Stadium Arcadium” (2006), sold an impressive 4 million. That album also won them a couple of Grammy’s for Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Album.

To announce their world tour, the band created a short video with Kiedis and Flea playing fictional news anchors interviewing Frusciante as himself. 

“John, might we expect you and the fellas to play live anytime soon?” Flea asks in a made-up southern accent.

“Yeah we’re gonna do a tour starting in June 2022,” Frusciante responds in his soft tone. 

Kiedis and Flea, in rock-n-roll fashion, then proceed to scream, run, and roll on the table in excitement. 
The tour will make its way to Los Angeles on July 31 at the new SoFi stadium in Inglewood, Calif. but is currently sold out. Southern California residents with hopes to see the band, could make the trip two hours south to see them at Petco Park in San Diego on July 27. Tickets are still available to that show and start at $85.