Guitarist John Frusciante has confirmed that he has left the Red Hot Chili Peppers, following rumors that began spreading earlier this week. The former Chili Pepper took to his blog on Wednesday to announce the news, saying that he actually left the band more than a year ago.
"When I quit the band, over a year ago, we were on an indefinite hiatus," Frusciante wrote. "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," he added.
The guitarist went on to say how much he loves the band and all they did together, but that the time has come for him to go his own way.
"Over the last 12 years, I have changed, as a person and an 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," Frusciante said. "There was no choice involved in this decision. I simply have to be what I am, and have to do what I must do."
The event marks the second time Frusciante has left the Peppers; he also quit the band in 1992.
The Chili Peppers plan to put an end to their hiatus with their next album, which they hope to release in 2010.
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