Josh Klinghoffer Says Red Hot Chili Peppers' Music Was Much Cooler Before His Shocking Dismissal

Josh Klinghoffer shared his honest thoughts about Red Hot Chili Peppers' music after he was dismissed from the band.

The guitarist only recorded two albums with Red Hot Chili Peppers after John Frusciante's 2009 departure. Still, he reportedly knew something was different about the band's music when he was replaced by Frusciante again when he returned in late 2019.

Josh Klinghoffer Says Red Hot Chili Peppers' Music Sound Cooler With Him

Three years after he was dismissed from the band, Klinghoffer spoke candidly about his time with Red Hot Chili Peppers and how its music changed when he left. He told the Brazilian podcast "5 Notas" (via Exclaim) that the band made cooler music when he was still with them.

"I don't think I finished [listening to] the second one," he said. "I was trying to cram it in once before leaving on a plane, and I got as far as maybe the ninth song, and I don't think I listened to the rest."

The guitarist referred to the next records Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded after Frusciante rejoined the band: "Unlimited Love" and "Return of the Dream Canteen." The latter has 17 songs.

Klinghoffer made a shocking revelation about his unexpected departure, saying that he was actually working on new music with the band members before he was fired. Although he does not want to sound negative about any musician, he said he was shocked when he heard the band's record.

Does Josh Klinghoffer Hate John Frusciante for Coming Back?

Klinghoffer's stint with Red Hot Chili Peppers ended after the same person who led him to the position returned. He already had a collaborative album with Frusciante in 2004, "A Sphere in the Heart of Silence," before they got connected by the band.

Despite the development, the guitarist clarified that he does not hold a grudge against Frusciante, although they do not keep in touch. He spoke about his enormous love for him, calling him one of his favorite musicians and writers.

He also expressed his desire to play the 2004 album's songs live with him because they never did so in the past.

Meanwhile, Klinghoffer worked with Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith again on Iggy Pop's "Every Loser" album. He also toured with Jane's Addiction to fill in for Dave Navarro, who has been struggling due to the symptoms of his long COVID illness.

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Red Hot Chili Peppers