Josh Klinghoffer says Red Hot Chili Peppers were “doing cooler music” with him

During an interview with the Brazilian podcast 5 Notas recently (via Exclaim), former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer claimed that the band was “doing cooler music” when he was in the line-up.

Klinghoffer recorded two albums with the group: “I’m With You” (2011) and “The Getaway” (2016). He joined the Chilis in 2009 after serving as a touring member following the departure of guitarist John Frusciante.

Frusciante rejoined in 2019 to perform on the group’s next two albums, “Unlimited Love” and “Return of the Dream Canteen”, both of which were released in 2022. “I don’t think I finished [listening to] the second one,” Klinghoffer 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 continued by alluding to some unreleased material he had been working on with RHCP before his departure. “It’s tough [listening to their new music], only because I honestly think we were doing cooler music,” Klinghoffer added. “I never want to sound negative about anyone doing music, but I was shocked when I heard their new record.”

Watch the full interview below: