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.


:-)

While the Red Hot Chili Peppers slumbered, the band’s members have been keeping busy these last couple of years, what with drummer Chad Smith joining all-star group Chickenfoot, frontman Anthony Kiedis developing a series for HBO and bassist Flea enrolling at USC to study music theory. But things are about to change in Pepperland. Smith recently told Billboard the band would reconvene in the studio this fall, and Keidis and Flea confirm to Rolling Stone they are indeed ready to rock again.

“We’ve decided to write some songs,” Kiedis told us at a benefit for the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, the Los Angeles school Flea founded. “We imposed a two-year hiatus, which we felt we needed, then we went back to the roundtable and the decision was, ‘Let’s do this.’ “

There’s no timetable yet on a new album, their first since 2006’s double-platinum Stadium Arcadium, but Flea, for one, is anxious to get going. “After being kind of burnt at the end of our last tour, I feel major enthusiasm and vigor,” he said. “Not like a restlessness, but a really healthy excitement. I’m just into it and ready to go forward.” Offers Kiedis: “The seeds are being planted.”

Smith told Billboard that he and his bandmates “haven’t talked about” a potential producer, but joked that Rick Rubin, the guiding force behind the Chili’s last five albums, “always ends up being the guy.” Sure enough, Rubin made his presence known as a benefactor of the Conservatory and a guest at the August 15th fundraiser by wearing his trademark white T-shirt and jeans to the formal affair.

In his interview with Herald, prior to the Chickenfoot appearance at Marquee Cork festival, Chad Smith, once again, discussed plans for the Red Hot Chili Peppers after they, supposedly, re-unite in October this year. Once again, it is not clear if the other members have an idea on what he's saying, given the recent experience when refering them to his interviews.

ROCKERS Red Hot Chili Peppers are planning another concert in Ireland when they reform later this year. Speaking to the Herald, drummer Chad Smith revealed that the iconic group have the Emerald Isle firmly in their sights for their next tour.

The Chilis last played here five years ago, when they performed a sell-out gig at the Phoenix Park. This concert came less than a year after they played before 80,000 fans at Slane. And, according to Chad, they would be delighted to come back and play Slane in the future, given that the concert was such a huge success in 2003.

"I know we're going to reform when I finish this [his super-group Chickenfoot] in October and start writing some new music and songs," he told the Herald. "Obviously that's going to take some time, but after that hopefully we'll go on tour. I wouldn't mind doing Slane again, we had an awesome time last time," he added.

The Irish fans have proved to be an enthusiastic audience for the band -- and the Chilis are hopeful this will continue in the future. "I know it sounds really cliche, but I really do love playing in Ireland," Chad explained. "I love the people and they've been so supportive to the Chili Peppers over the years.

"Irish people, for some reason, are one of the friendliest in the world. It's a really special place for me. People are so friendly and passionate about music and art," he added.

Last May, the rockers announced they were taking a break away from the limelight after 20 years together. Since going their separate ways, the American band, which includes vocalist Anthony Kiedis, guitarist John Frusciante, bassist Michael "Flea" Balzary, and drummer Chad Smith, have been busy working on individual solo projects.

All we can do is wait and hope. And perhaps watch Live at Slane again, as it's always enjoyable to do so!