Rick Rubin, I cannot thank you enough. Guiding John to open up so freely is truly a gift and then sharing those moments with us is beyond amazing. The rawness and honesty of those drug years is truly gut wrenching but leaves me only appreciating and celebrating the phoenix that is John Frusciante. Thank you again, these visits are absolute gold.
When he says It seemed like nobody wanted to be his friend, it makes me profoundly sad. Not just for him, but for anyone that's had that feeling before.
The universe wasn’t done with him yet. Knowing how messed up and close to death he was, and then seeing just how much he came back from that, to become an even better and more skilled version of himself, gives me hope that it’s never too late to turn things around and become the best version of myself too. I think his solo music especially speaks to people who have been trapped in dark times, with a sense of understanding, but also a way out.
I met him backstage at House of Blues in 97 on the ill fated Nutstalk tour...and he was in bad shape...I couldn't believe he turned things around so quickly and was back with the Chili's in late 98. When I met him..he was off Heroin (but clearly wasnt totally sober) and he just looked bad and was extremely irritable. He definitely got lucky. Most people who went as far down into addiction as he did...do not make it out alive
Same here - his solo music and his work with the RHCP have saved me thru the darkest periods... Once again (for like the _4th time!_ 🙄🤦♂️), I missed my chance to see them live just a couple nights ago and it truly devastated me! They played a epic, free benefit show in a tiny gym to 900 people with their full arena setup (I don't even know how they did it)... Every chance I get, either I have a medical emergency or a personal catastrophe and miss the show... feels like I'll never see them. Praying I get another chance soon 🙏
We got TWO incredible albums this year with the return of John. You can tell it's true that the band has been rejuvenated, and honestly, it feels like they're the best they've ever been. Got the see them in Toronto and it was easily the best concert I've seen. Long Live the Red Hot Chili Peppers!
DannyBDoe, which albums are you talking about? Unlimited love or whatever it’s called, is horrible. I’m a rhcp fan guy, but they haven’t put out a solid album since bssm.
@@mateosananto8594 they released two albums, unlimited love and dream canteen, and while nothing will ever be blood sugar, i felt stadium arcadium was their closest effort until these last 2 released this year, and while ive only heard them a couple times, there's a lot of strong funk going on which to me was what I've missed the most, but hey not every song is for everybody
@@mateosananto8594 wow you don’t like stadium Arcadium ? I’m young born in 99 so maybe I haven’t listened to the older stuff enough to appreciate it, but stadiums not bad imo lol
Man that part where he dives into the rough years is really intense. He almost sounds borderline in tears at some points, real pain. So happy he made it out and got better. One of my favorite artists and prob the most influential person for me musically. Great interview.
Jesus Christ, the Hollywood celebrity worship is sickening. He would be homeless if he wasn't famous. This is what happens when people get their asses kissed nonstop from a very young age.
The love within John's soul and his passion to create beautiful sounding music, I am truly grateful that he has returned and I am alive today to experience the 2 joyful albums from this year. Seeing them live in Dublin earlier this year was a moment I will never forget. Love love love!
This is so insightful and sincere from John. It is incredible how he reflects on the things. The guy went to hell and back, but managed to rise above it all. Also, I couldn't imagine better person to interview John than Rick. Props to Rick for this interview.
Wow, I never have heard John being so open about all of these details of his past. When he knows the public will hear his memories of that time. Thank you so much for opening up about that period. Don't get me wrong, I find John is always very sensitive in his interviews and speaking his true feelings. But about this period, so detailed, I'd never heard. Thank you Rick Rubin, for giving John this trust and space. Just like you say you did, back in the day, when you visit John's house -although that must be really hard for you to see, you left John be in his value - as a true friend. Just like music is a true friend to all of us. I can relate to what John says. Just like Joy Division, Nirvana and Bob Marley were as a friend to John in a period, they were all friends to me too in periods of my own life. Glad that he thought about it that way, because John's music also brought me home many times. It was a true friend to me, in the moments I was by myself. Music is way better than therapy, I guess, if you love it deeply. And also it's always like a tsunami of inspiration for others, who are open to it. I began to paint, write, being a music-addict, since I was a youngster. And john's music was really the first wave that did that to me in that huge sense. Loving music made me the creative person I am today. And I always will be grateful for that, your were then and therefore still, will forever be my dear friend in sound. Your music connected to me in ways it got me fired up. And for that fact, I truly do love your creative soul and everything that came out from that. It's a really warm place to surf the waves of your creativity. Thank you for making waves -thank you for opening up.
Seriously the best interview I have ever heard. John Frusciante is probably the most real person ever and so humble and honest, its beyond words. Go to comments on any board or any RHCP video and they are filled about how the music got them through life. When John says that is his purpose and intention it speaks volumes to the character and person he is. They are still giving people this soundtrack for their life to this very day!!! 🌶❤️ forever grateful for their music and their purpose!
I remember reading an old John interview, I think for a solo album, and the interviewer asked “what made you include so many songs?” And he said something along the lines of “I didn’t wanna cut a song cause people will say how much a song means to them and even if I don’t think a song is good, who am I to take away what might help someone, even one person.”
Thanks for sharing this!! Awesome that he has used his art to inspire and connect with so many people. He has given back so much with his music and even though he knows the impact it has had on so many people, he probably doesn't realize the full extent it has had. So lucky this band is still making music 🌶🌶🌶🌶
@@Matt-ig4yk It totally does... I think they should be a bit louder but on this current tour his backup Vox sound great. They are subtle sometimes you wouldn't even notice but it would feel incomplete without them
@@BennieTarrMusic his voice is hauntingly beautiful have you not heard his solo album Curtains? It's one of the saddest albums of all time. I love sad music.
Cant help but feel that keidis could not help but be a lil envious of how strong frusciantes connection to their audience is n how much people just love his magic. Thanku flea for bringing him bk.
Funny JF mentioned the BSSM snare/kit - I had wondered about this . To me the sound of those drums in that room helped turn the recording into a living thing. BSSM is like a sonic photograph of real musical energy.
So glad to hear the discussion around ‘Soul to squeeze’ .. was always one of my favorite RHCP songs and never understood why this wasn’t part of the album
John answers everything I’ve ever wanted to know about that era of the band that I just didn’t have answers to as a teenager and 20s. This is a very special interview. And I’m very grateful to have been at that Boston show he mentions.
John Frusciante put into words the reason why his music and the music of the Chili Peppers is so important to so many people: through the music, he is giving us friendship. We can feel our friend, the music, hugging us when we’re lonely and just being there for us when we need it most
I love John and the Chili Peppers. Such a phenomenal band and so much talent. It's so sad to hear about how bad into drugs John was but it's amazing how he overcame his addiction and rose to the top once again. When I heard he had rejoined RHCP back in 2019, I cried. I was missing him for years and it just felt like everything was right in the world again. RHCP just wasn't the same without him. ❤
John has always been someone who i idolized even before i knew who he really was. I was a singer, trumpet player and studied music but heroin destroyed my path and how i saw myself. Even 30 years later i never truly looked at how the music was written. I found 20 years after being homeless i got sober and found that when i would sing, i was a 2nd alto which is the harmony which is what john always would sing. Also, just have so much understanding of his life.
I was at the Boston one, and I could tell, even for them it was a special energy there that night. I've seen a lot of RHCP concerts too, but it just seemed unique that night. It's interesting to hear him say that directly now after having seen it first hand. Him confirming it is really amazing.
This was special...as a musician it really hit me as to be open to less aggressive to more aggressive ways of playing guitar. The idea of just being a team player then a virtuoso can really help the band so much.
Im so glad this was produced. I loved reading the autobiographies of flea and anthony but they left me wanting more. This is exactly what ive been looking for
Was at the DC show (womp womp). I didn't think it was a bad effort on his part. They did have an early miscue on Dani California and also came in early on right on time. My group left very happy. Wish I could have seen Boston.
Gripping…can’t wait for pt.2….couldn’t quantify in words how much John’s music has inspired me in ever aspect of my life since blood sugar came out…I was 10…you’ve been in my heart and soul all the way soul to squeeze is my saving song….but I’m must say….Eddie is an absolute masterwork in everything I love about your songwriting thank you john…thank you for making through and still being here making beautiful music that enriches all our lives
Jesus Christ, the Hollywood celebrity worship is sickening. He would be homeless if he wasn't famous. This is what happens when people get their asses kissed nonstop from a very young age.
He just proper loves music, doesn't he? Like the love of it - as an arranger, composer, fan, player, everything - just pours out of him. Even when he couldn't feel it any more it seems that he felt defined by not being able to love it in the way he was used to. What a remarkable, brave interview.
@@BennieTarrMusic Not God's gift to me, but a regular fella with a crazy story whose love of music has been the thing that has kept him going. For the record, I love a small section of his output (solo mid 90s) and tend to like the rest (RHCP, 00s solo guitar projects, 10s hanging out with Venetian Snares stuff), but always think he's worth a look when he drops something new because it could sound like anything from XTC to Xenakis.
The part where Rick says that John was missing teeth and the walls were covered in blood/vomit is really intense. I’m glad John moved past that period in his life and went on to start recording and touring again
Footage of their Mothers Milk era live performances always blows me away, they had an incredible energy/vibe about them. Wish some of their Pinkpop shows or others, would get an HD release sometime. The only available ones on youtube are poor quality.
They have one I know of on you tube. Live on vrbo or something. Great sound. Was i guess a radio deal or something. Played 30 min worth of great tunes . 👌 check it out.
@@bradharvy13 Yeah the VPRO radio performance? yeah I love that one. No I just wish there were some HD versions of there Pinkpop shows with Frusciante. I think there were 2, 1989 and 1990, they are on youtube, and recorded professionally, but they're not HD, very grainy. Also the show they recorded for there Psychedelic Sexfunk Live from Heaven VHS. That must exist somewhere, but it's not available. They seemed incredible around that time, just wish someone would release HD versions or make a Blu Ray avaliable or something :)
@@kanthakathewhite1012 yeah that's amazing, I have a dvd of it. Just wish they would release HD versions of their shows around 1989-1990. They did record some professionally, they're only available in low quality on youtube :)
I had an official VHS, Psychedelic Sexfunk Live From Heaven, back in the day that was MM-era. Dunno if that's been released digitally? I remember my dad didn't like me watching it coz he thought it'd make me gay. "A lot of flesh on show there, isn't there?", lol.
Such an amazing album Return of the dream canteen is, that im still trying to process it and I will in the following months and years. Probably one of the best chili's albums of all. Thank you Broken Records and Rick for putting this podcast out. It is really interesting and fun to listen to you guys talk about life and music in general. Its a blessing.
These interviews are such an incredible and unexpected gift to longtime RHCP fans. I was at the UL Chicago show and it felt special in the way he described Boston. It was my 8th RHCP show (3rd with John), and I watched every clip of the UL tour on UA-cam, and it just seemed like they were taking it up a notch that night. Every song was perfect, and the improv jams were legendary. Anthony’s mom was there too.
This is amazing.. super grateful to Broken Record and Rick. So cool hearing John talk about a repeatable feeling from listening to some artists. Johns music did the same thing for me which I've never felt in the same way with another artist
I actually had to interrupt this beautiful exchange to go listen to the music. Its my (and possibly my generations) Rolling Stones. It was the perfect combination of the best sounds of the late 60's perfected through another generation that possibly remembers bass lines from the womb. I could write a book about this bandas influence in my musical, romantic, angry and spiritual life. True Men. Thanks!
I was in the pit at the show in Boston! And what a show it was! Every member of the band was on point, but I kept finding myself watching John. That man is on another level
Excellent interview.. so intriguing listening to John open up with someone he completely trusts.. The last minute of this interview is what true friendship sounds like.
John frusciante is an inspiration to so many. his style flows between so many frequencies yet his style is very profound. thanks John. appreciate you being you.
These interviews are a goldmine. I love John and Rick. I am a guitarist and musician myself so hearing John open up about melody, harmony, and rhythym is so valuable. I have loved the Chili Peppers since Blood Sugar and that is certainly my favorite Album but I also love Californication and their melodic and poppier side. They are all masters of their craft and true soul musicians. Somehow Rick is able to get them to reach higher levels with his pragmatic outsider's perspective. I am so glad John was able to beat his demons.
John is one of my favorite guitar player and to hear him this way is fantastic. His likes in music spot on in my head too. So cool to hear this, can’t wait for the 2nd one. Been a peppers fan for a long time. I attended a show of many but one sticks out at SUNY Albany in 89 I believe. But I herd John playing Hendrix and was outside at the time. I couldn’t get in fast enough. Unbelievable show. So glad you are well John. Your music is needed.
I love to hear the background details on their music from John. You can really tell the amount of thought he puts into creating music, and the many influences he draws upon.
I saw them in Charlotte and I’m so happy the band looks and sounds healthy, especially John. Missed him dearly and he is truly an artist’s artist. I hope to meet him even if for just a few minutes one day.
I love how John remembers his memories through music. He remembers what album he was listening to at a certain point in his life, or right where he was when the idea for a song popped into his head. That’s really fascinating
John.. Man.. If you know, you know.. John is such an enigmatic & beautifully fascinating soul. You can tell how much of a spiritual journey he’s been on throughout his whole life.
I wish i could just hang with John and just go through so many records with him. You can hear his passion for music whenever he's talking about other songs or other records. Music is just oozing out of him and it shows when he plays. I just wanna listen to record after record with him.
Good god, as I was standing outside last night, smoking a cigarette and listening to the new record I thought to myself: «dang, I really hope we get another Broken Record episode with the chili peppers, especially John, I really loved that». And here we are, prayers answered😅 Thanks for this amazing podcast! Edit: This is the best interview EVER, done, no discussion. Wow, just wow🤯
Yes i cant wait for the next part and I was going to re-listen to the old ones from UL release and then I saw this this morning and it made a good say even better
Jesus Christ, the Hollywood celebrity worship is sickening. He would be homeless if he wasn't famous. This is what happens when people get their asses kissed nonstop from a very young age.
This is just brilliant. We've heard a lot about these subjects before in interviews John's done over the years but none of them have been as personal as this. So interesting when he talks about that period between Mother's Milk and Blood Sugar and how he didn't think it would be ok for him to be bringing ideas and songs that were so outside the band's usual sound. Amazing how he didn't think of himself as being very good around that time either until very recently when he's looked back. Good to know he reflects back on things now in a better light. Also, mind blown to find out John didn't think anything of harmonies before Rick turned him onto the idea! When you consider how prominent they became on By the Way especially you would never guess John had to be convinced initially. Hopefully they do manage to keep up having these long conversations as I'm sure we could all listen for hours and never get bored.
Do another episode with him and this time talk about by the way (dosed) and stadium arcadium.Pls do it as soon as possible. And also talk about his solo work.
I'm so happy we're getting more insight into the band, especially from John. I was wondering why his energy was so low since he came back this time. It's great to actually hear it from the horse's mouth. Thanks Rick. Thanks John.
I came back from a festival in wales and my friend and I had been awake on acid all weekend. We went to school (no idea why) but it was weird so I called my dad who got us last minute tickets for your show in Sheffield, probably 2006, we took the last of our acid and my dad drove us their in this pick up truck and we were looking at the stars in the way and when we got there you and flea would play and it would literally paint the sky and make it dance. It was creating a sunset and it was magical and spiritual. Best part of the trip. Acid for the Children indeed 💖 ☀️
Reflecting back at this time of Blood Sugar, it’s amazing to me that they were telepathing a new consciousness by just going with their gut and what they were listening to. The “party” of the 80s was over, and I remember myself being more brooding, and that felt like the temperature of the times. This and Nevermind came out about the same time and that seemed to be what we were all feeling at that time around ‘91, when it felt like the 90s had really started.
BSSM and Nevermind dropped on the SAME DAY, and the world was never quite the same. Unfortunately, I was only 6 months old at the time, but I feel so incredibly fortunate to exist in an age where - despite the dark side of digital communication - it's possible to relive it at the drop of a dime. What you say here confirms all the suspicions I had about that period in time, based solely on historical observation and listening to an abundance of records in chronological order.
@@ignatiusjackson235 Yep, I can say in my world at this time, it was these, Dinosaur Jr., Smashing Pumpkins (Gish) and later that year Pavement hit the scene. Also fascinating to me, it was the British music that was more enduring for me and in contrast to the mood of American music at that time. Stone Roses, My Bloody Valentine, Lush, Ride was sultrier, softer, often more positive feeling. Totally different vibe and it seemed there were two different crowds who gravitated more towards one or the other. Gish was the outlier. It sounded British. But everything after sounded much more American indie to me. The lens I see much of the consciousness through is economics and politics. You can trace these together with the music of the times.
@@terrysowers8983 Good stuff, indeed. I agree with you about the politics of the era, too. A full dozen years of Reagan and Bush left us in pretty bad shape - let's not even get into Thatcher in the UK - and, even though Clinton turned out to be a corporate fraud, there was initially a sense of "yearning" for some sort of change, something "real" - that extended to every element of life, including music and politics. It didn't last very long, but the height of it all might have been the 1992 MTV VMA's. The backlash against the PMRC and "Satanic panic" in the '80s was pretty much in decline by the time Nirvana broke through. It seems like that wave of alternative rock coincided with a massive cultural wave of "getting back" to some semblance of "reality" after all the hairspray and synthesizers, etc.
the ending part where they talk about harmony and back vocal, i felt the same exact thing when john mentions almost all the songs that i like had the same thing. never knew it was rick rubins idea though, fantastic interview
So interesting to hear about John's Synesthesia and how it contributed to his guitar playing and helped form him into who he is now, finding his creative style, i've never heard him mention it before. It reminds me of my view on music and films and how it's helped my photography. My main reason for liking certain music used to only be because it was catchy, if it sounded good i listened to it. I approached films in a smilar way, if the story was interesting i'd watch it. I played drums when i was a kid, studied music technology at college but i still never felt like i was big on music and similarly with films. I've been a photographer since my early 20s, but my interests on what i liked to take photos of was all over the place. Street photography, forests, rural photography, i loved it all. Obviously, the more you practice any kind of creativity, the more you'll start to find your style and the reason i got into photography to begin with was the cinematography (before i even knew cinematography was a thing) of a TV series called Utopia. So my early photography tied to replicate the look of that series, but my photography was still just an interest, something made me pick up a camera and take photos, but i didn't really have a drive or an idea of what photography is to me. Then i discovered Tom Waits. First i heard Mule Variations and loved it for it's melodies, but then i went way back to Rain Dogs and it really got my imagination going. I saw things in my mind, colours and atmosphere, it wasn't Synesthesia but just a vivd imagination. The great thing about Tom Waits is that he creates a whole world of his own in each of his albums / songs and that helped a lot. From this, i was eager to find "films that feel like Tom Waits' music" and surprisingly, what i found did match the images and colours i had in my mind everytime i heard his music. I discovered films like City of Lost Children, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, started to get interested in gritty New York based films from the 70s and found out about the 'Neo Western' film genre. All this was like discovering a new world and it'd helped to shape my photography and has given me a new found appreciation for films and music, discovering all sorts of genres and different worlds . That was the starting point. Now, music and films mesh into one to become my main source of inspiration for my photography. I'm constantly adding to a collection of photos that belong in different worlds. Right now i'm interested in The Velvet Underground and how i can translate the street energy you hear in the Loaded album to the context of British life. Basically putting the New York feel into my UK based street photography. I'm also interested in Shoegaze and have certain scenes, settings and colours that i associate with the genre that i take photos of. Creatively speaking, It makes you think that these weird things happen in our brains when they need to. One thing leads to another and it helps us develop into our own uniqueness.
Everything seems to be layered, the more layers we can have on the daily cycle seems to be the more fulfilling way, because, then, looking from the outside it seems impossible to balance all the small details that are necessary to have it all and that brings up personal connections and destiny, and talent vs using people or deserving a lot in life based on past lives or a connection in the here and now with the living God.
Don't miss the rest of Rick Rubin's interviews with the Red Hot Chili Peppers here: ua-cam.com/play/PLB9oRc9hOj9js8FqWdRKE86eV8ZEIfxAJ.html
Thank you!!! 🤩🤩🤩
Rick Rubin, I cannot thank you enough. Guiding John to open up so freely is truly a gift and then sharing those moments with us is beyond amazing. The rawness and honesty of those drug years is truly gut wrenching but leaves me only appreciating and celebrating the phoenix that is John Frusciante. Thank you again, these visits are absolute gold.
He is definitely pheonex; what a delight to see him soaring again!
welp….that was well said.
Amen! Well said!
Phoenix is not a good analogy.
@@musicowned 😂😂😂
When he says It seemed like nobody wanted to be his friend, it makes me profoundly sad. Not just for him, but for anyone that's had that feeling before.
Feel that right now
@@exotic.olive.oil.taster.1999 life is hard but there is always interesting people who will help and love you
@@exotic.olive.oil.taster.19994 months later I hope you’re in a better place. Lots of love
The simple fact John's still alive is a miracle. Glad he's still around and making music for us to enjoy.
Destiny.
Or worse than death. He was close to loosing his arm. Imagine not being able to do your passion, that would be painful
@@unknownuser0006 He would have learned to play the guitar with his feet
The universe wasn’t done with him yet. Knowing how messed up and close to death he was, and then seeing just how much he came back from that, to become an even better and more skilled version of himself, gives me hope that it’s never too late to turn things around and become the best version of myself too. I think his solo music especially speaks to people who have been trapped in dark times, with a sense of understanding, but also a way out.
I met him backstage at House of Blues in 97 on the ill fated Nutstalk tour...and he was in bad shape...I couldn't believe he turned things around so quickly and was back with the Chili's in late 98. When I met him..he was off Heroin (but clearly wasnt totally sober) and he just looked bad and was extremely irritable. He definitely got lucky. Most people who went as far down into addiction as he did...do not make it out alive
John is one the most beautiful souls in this world. His solo records saved my life when I was in a dark place of my own. 💖
Same here - his solo music and his work with the RHCP have saved me thru the darkest periods...
Once again (for like the _4th time!_ 🙄🤦♂️), I missed my chance to see them live just a couple nights ago and it truly devastated me! They played a epic, free benefit show in a tiny gym to 900 people with their full arena setup (I don't even know how they did it)... Every chance I get, either I have a medical emergency or a personal catastrophe and miss the show... feels like I'll never see them.
Praying I get another chance soon 🙏
me too. I also collect his solo albums on vinyl. So expensive though...
Just heard song to sing when I'm lonely
I don't know any other songs
@@quicklicks5963 Listen to When Shadows Collide with People, the whole album is a gem.
Soul to Squeeze is an absolute masterpiece, and interesting to hear why it didn't make the cut.
It is imposible not to love John Frusciante
unless you're a fan of river phoenix
@@copyrightcharacter1166 That kid made his own choices and no one was responsible for them besides him.
@@copyrightcharacter1166 wrong, I love them both!
@@copyrightcharacter1166 😂😂 this guy gets it
@@DweeD1516 So, a friend gives you a spiked drink and you die, is that your responsibility?
We got TWO incredible albums this year with the return of John. You can tell it's true that the band has been rejuvenated, and honestly, it feels like they're the best they've ever been. Got the see them in Toronto and it was easily the best concert I've seen. Long Live the Red Hot Chili Peppers!
I was at the Toronto show too, incredible, the whole night was such a euphoric vibe !! Happiest crowd I've ever seen leaving a show 😊
@@northerngurl6178 I don’t think he missed one note at that show!
DannyBDoe, which albums are you talking about? Unlimited love or whatever it’s called, is horrible. I’m a rhcp fan guy, but they haven’t put out a solid album since bssm.
@@mateosananto8594 they released two albums, unlimited love and dream canteen, and while nothing will ever be blood sugar, i felt stadium arcadium was their closest effort until these last 2 released this year, and while ive only heard them a couple times, there's a lot of strong funk going on which to me was what I've missed the most, but hey not every song is for everybody
@@mateosananto8594 wow you don’t like stadium Arcadium ? I’m young born in 99 so maybe I haven’t listened to the older stuff enough to appreciate it, but stadiums not bad imo lol
John definitely is one of the ones that “make you feel better”
He’ll make you feel fabulous
Something out there
Where love is your only friend and
We are the ones
That will make you feel better
This is helping me emotionally and mentally in a difficult time. Sitting here with my guitar passively playing makes me feel so at peace. Thank you
I feel you. I don't play in bands anymore but the comfort in sitting alone and playing guitar never fades
Dude, yes!!!!
Man that part where he dives into the rough years is really intense. He almost sounds borderline in tears at some points, real pain. So happy he made it out and got better. One of my favorite artists and prob the most influential person for me musically. Great interview.
Dude…today is like a massive dopamine dump bridging my childhood to adulthood.
Rick and John -thanks for all you live to do
John is beautiful in every way, can't wait for the next part. Good to hear him so engaged and chatty with Rick.
Chatty John is inspiring AF
Jesus Christ, the Hollywood celebrity worship is sickening. He would be homeless if he wasn't famous. This is what happens when people get their asses kissed nonstop from a very young age.
There's so much great musical history with John. I could listen to these guys talk forever. Great stuff Rick!
"I feel like I'm just getting warmed up." ❤️
The love within John's soul and his passion to create beautiful sounding music, I am truly grateful that he has returned and I am alive today to experience the 2 joyful albums from this year. Seeing them live in Dublin earlier this year was a moment I will never forget. Love love love!
So nice to see John say Boston was one of the best nights on the tour. I was there it was beautiful.
14:46
This is so insightful and sincere from John. It is incredible how he reflects on the things. The guy went to hell and back, but managed to rise above it all. Also, I couldn't imagine better person to interview John than Rick. Props to Rick for this interview.
Yes,he's one of the few that has made it out alive.never really thought about that
Wow, I never have heard John being so open about all of these details of his past. When he knows the public will hear his memories of that time. Thank you so much for opening up about that period. Don't get me wrong, I find John is always very sensitive in his interviews and speaking his true feelings. But about this period, so detailed, I'd never heard. Thank you Rick Rubin, for giving John this trust and space. Just like you say you did, back in the day, when you visit John's house -although that must be really hard for you to see, you left John be in his value - as a true friend. Just like music is a true friend to all of us. I can relate to what John says. Just like Joy Division, Nirvana and Bob Marley were as a friend to John in a period, they were all friends to me too in periods of my own life. Glad that he thought about it that way, because John's music also brought me home many times. It was a true friend to me, in the moments I was by myself. Music is way better than therapy, I guess, if you love it deeply. And also it's always like a tsunami of inspiration for others, who are open to it. I began to paint, write, being a music-addict, since I was a youngster. And john's music was really the first wave that did that to me in that huge sense. Loving music made me the creative person I am today. And I always will be grateful for that, your were then and therefore still, will forever be my dear friend in sound. Your music connected to me in ways it got me fired up. And for that fact, I truly do love your creative soul and everything that came out from that. It's a really warm place to surf the waves of your creativity. Thank you for making waves -thank you for opening up.
Boring heroin guy...
Absolutely loved this conversation. Very genuine and soulful. So glad to have new John material!
So absolutely grateful to have these guys back with John. Cannot wait to dig into canteen tonight.
Seriously the best interview I have ever heard. John Frusciante is probably the most real person ever and so humble and honest, its beyond words. Go to comments on any board or any RHCP video and they are filled about how the music got them through life. When John says that is his purpose and intention it speaks volumes to the character and person he is. They are still giving people this soundtrack for their life to this very day!!! 🌶❤️ forever grateful for their music and their purpose!
I remember reading an old John interview, I think for a solo album, and the interviewer asked “what made you include so many songs?” And he said something along the lines of “I didn’t wanna cut a song cause people will say how much a song means to them and even if I don’t think a song is good, who am I to take away what might help someone, even one person.”
Thanks for sharing this!! Awesome that he has used his art to inspire and connect with so many people. He has given back so much with his music and even though he knows the impact it has had on so many people, he probably doesn't realize the full extent it has had. So lucky this band is still making music 🌶🌶🌶🌶
"Humble" is not a word that applies to this egomaniac.
Shoutout to Rick for giving John the courage to do harmony vocals. He has some of the coolest harmony vocal parts
And yet it's never ever really worked live
@@Matt-ig4yk It totally does... I think they should be a bit louder but on this current tour his backup Vox sound great. They are subtle sometimes you wouldn't even notice but it would feel incomplete without them
He pushes the envelope by singing in a monotone and calling it "harmony".
@@BennieTarrMusic his voice is hauntingly beautiful have you not heard his solo album Curtains? It's one of the saddest albums of all time. I love sad music.
Sure
This is everything I ever wanted in an interview
Cant help but feel that keidis could not help but be a lil envious of how strong frusciantes connection to their audience is n how much people just love his magic. Thanku flea for bringing him bk.
i’ve been waiting for like 20 years for this conversation to happen. thx John and Rick!
Funny JF mentioned the BSSM snare/kit - I had wondered about this . To me the sound of those drums in that room helped turn the recording into a living thing. BSSM is like a sonic photograph of real musical energy.
So glad to hear the discussion around ‘Soul to squeeze’ .. was always one of my favorite RHCP songs and never understood why this wasn’t part of the album
Thank you Rick and Broken Record Podcast for this invaluable interview! We love you John and Rick!
John answers everything I’ve ever wanted to know about that era of the band that I just didn’t have answers to as a teenager and 20s. This is a very special interview. And I’m very grateful to have been at that Boston show he mentions.
Rick is the perfect person to interview John! He just knows how to put people at ease and let them open up. Thanks for sharing this with us!
John Frusciante put into words the reason why his music and the music of the Chili Peppers is so important to so many people: through the music, he is giving us friendship. We can feel our friend, the music, hugging us when we’re lonely and just being there for us when we need it most
I love John and the Chili Peppers. Such a phenomenal band and so much talent. It's so sad to hear about how bad into drugs John was but it's amazing how he overcame his addiction and rose to the top once again. When I heard he had rejoined RHCP back in 2019, I cried. I was missing him for years and it just felt like everything was right in the world again. RHCP just wasn't the same without him. ❤
John has always been someone who i idolized even before i knew who he really was. I was a singer, trumpet player and studied music but heroin destroyed my path and how i saw myself. Even 30 years later i never truly looked at how the music was written. I found 20 years after being homeless i got sober and found that when i would sing, i was a 2nd alto which is the harmony which is what john always would sing. Also, just have so much understanding of his life.
I was at the Boston one, and I could tell, even for them it was a special energy there that night. I've seen a lot of RHCP concerts too, but it just seemed unique that night. It's interesting to hear him say that directly now after having seen it first hand. Him confirming it is really amazing.
John plays his guitar with amazing feeling, so gifted and talented-the best!
This was special...as a musician it really hit me as to be open to less aggressive to more aggressive ways of playing guitar. The idea of just being a team player then a virtuoso can really help the band so much.
What a beautiful conversation. Thank you John, Thank you Rick and God Bless you both.
"I enjoy practicing all the time. That's the main thing I do.. is just practice". John Frusciante
Im so glad this was produced. I loved reading the autobiographies of flea and anthony but they left me wanting more. This is exactly what ive been looking for
And John said he is just warming up and looking towards next year 😊
Everytime I hear John, It reminds me how fuckin special he is. I've been idolizing this dude since 1992, he is such a g, so real and honest.
Oh part 2 yay!!!! I can't wait to see frusciante with the band next year when they come to Australia ❤
This is going to be the most sacred musician series that artists will look at for generations to come
I always have ears for John's self-assessment on the band as well as his own playing... a real prodigy (all of these years later...)
I was at the Boston show. Can confirm he was feeling it
Was at the DC show (womp womp). I didn't think it was a bad effort on his part. They did have an early miscue on Dani California and also came in early on right on time. My group left very happy. Wish I could have seen Boston.
I was at DC as well and could tell he wasn’t into it… still a great show (I’m guessing the group hug was an effort to boost his spirits).
@@kellygrahamtamai6504 I guess whatever he was feeling and the Dani California botch was irritating
@@patramplin6017I too was at Fenway and it was incredible
Gripping…can’t wait for pt.2….couldn’t quantify in words how much John’s music has inspired me in ever aspect of my life since blood sugar came out…I was 10…you’ve been in my heart and soul all the way soul to squeeze is my saving song….but I’m must say….Eddie is an absolute masterwork in everything I love about your songwriting thank you john…thank you for making through and still being here making beautiful music that enriches all our lives
Jesus Christ, the Hollywood celebrity worship is sickening. He would be homeless if he wasn't famous. This is what happens when people get their asses kissed nonstop from a very young age.
this. is. mindblowing. wow, I need to download this bcause it might get pulled down due to high sensitivity of information
Enthralling conversation.
Being a professional musician myself & an unapologetic fan boy of both these guys, this is pure gold.
Thanks fellas.. x
He just proper loves music, doesn't he? Like the love of it - as an arranger, composer, fan, player, everything - just pours out of him. Even when he couldn't feel it any more it seems that he felt defined by not being able to love it in the way he was used to. What a remarkable, brave interview.
He's not god's gift to music. The Frusciante-worship is really irritating.
@@BennieTarrMusic Not God's gift to me, but a regular fella with a crazy story whose love of music has been the thing that has kept him going. For the record, I love a small section of his output (solo mid 90s) and tend to like the rest (RHCP, 00s solo guitar projects, 10s hanging out with Venetian Snares stuff), but always think he's worth a look when he drops something new because it could sound like anything from XTC to Xenakis.
The part where Rick says that John was missing teeth and the walls were covered in blood/vomit is really intense. I’m glad John moved past that period in his life and went on to start recording and touring again
Me too🙏🙏🙏🥹🥹
Footage of their Mothers Milk era live performances always blows me away, they had an incredible energy/vibe about them. Wish some of their Pinkpop shows or others, would get an HD release sometime. The only available ones on youtube are poor quality.
They have one I know of on you tube.
Live on vrbo or something.
Great sound. Was i guess a radio deal or something.
Played 30 min worth of great tunes . 👌 check it out.
Live at Slane Castle 🏰
@@bradharvy13 Yeah the VPRO radio performance? yeah I love that one. No I just wish there were some HD versions of there Pinkpop shows with Frusciante. I think there were 2, 1989 and 1990, they are on youtube, and recorded professionally, but they're not HD, very grainy. Also the show they recorded for there Psychedelic Sexfunk Live from Heaven VHS. That must exist somewhere, but it's not available. They seemed incredible around that time, just wish someone would release HD versions or make a Blu Ray avaliable or something :)
@@kanthakathewhite1012 yeah that's amazing, I have a dvd of it. Just wish they would release HD versions of their shows around 1989-1990. They did record some professionally, they're only available in low quality on youtube :)
I had an official VHS, Psychedelic Sexfunk Live From Heaven, back in the day that was MM-era. Dunno if that's been released digitally? I remember my dad didn't like me watching it coz he thought it'd make me gay. "A lot of flesh on show there, isn't there?", lol.
45:40 instantly thought of the count in from ‘the past recedes’
Awesome!!!! Part one was so inciteful, nice to hear John Talk in so much depth.
And so comfortable too!!!
* insightful
I could listen to Rick and John talk all day long... such great chemistry
Dear god please do a dozen more of these with John... such fascinating conversation! I love this band and it's members more and more each day
Such an amazing album Return of the dream canteen is, that im still trying to process it and I will in the following months and years. Probably one of the best chili's albums of all. Thank you Broken Records and Rick for putting this podcast out. It is really interesting and fun to listen to you guys talk about life and music in general. Its a blessing.
incredible insight, you can tell how comfortable John is with Rick. Looking forward to the next part!
1:14:06 "the guitar God guy".....John Frusciante! Great interview! Learned a lot.
These interviews are such an incredible and unexpected gift to longtime RHCP fans.
I was at the UL Chicago show and it felt special in the way he described Boston. It was my 8th RHCP show (3rd with John), and I watched every clip of the UL tour on UA-cam, and it just seemed like they were taking it up a notch that night. Every song was perfect, and the improv jams were legendary. Anthony’s mom was there too.
This is amazing.. super grateful to Broken Record and Rick. So cool hearing John talk about a repeatable feeling from listening to some artists. Johns music did the same thing for me which I've never felt in the same way with another artist
Yes, please do another one!!🙏🙏
This is the most I’ve ever heard John open up in conversation. Very special💚
I actually had to interrupt this beautiful exchange to go listen to the music. Its my (and possibly my generations) Rolling Stones. It was the perfect combination of the best sounds of the late 60's perfected through another generation that possibly remembers bass lines from the womb. I could write a book about this bandas influence in my musical, romantic, angry and spiritual life. True Men. Thanks!
The shared transparency about John’s struggles are a revelation.
My pisces people! Rick and John were born 5 days short of 7 years apart...
March 5th 1970 (John) and March 10th 1963 (Rick)
They "get" each other.
I was in the pit at the show in Boston! And what a show it was! Every member of the band was on point, but I kept finding myself watching John. That man is on another level
Excellent interview.. so intriguing listening to John open up with someone he completely trusts..
The last minute of this interview is what true friendship sounds like.
We need at least 10 more of these with John.
He's putting out a ten record set of himself farting into a microphone, and you will worship it.
John frusciante is an inspiration to so many. his style flows between so many frequencies yet his style is very profound. thanks John.
appreciate you being you.
These interviews are a goldmine. I love John and Rick. I am a guitarist and musician myself so hearing John open up about melody, harmony, and rhythym is so valuable. I have loved the Chili Peppers since Blood Sugar and that is certainly my favorite Album but I also love Californication and their melodic and poppier side. They are all masters of their craft and true soul musicians. Somehow Rick is able to get them to reach higher levels with his pragmatic outsider's perspective. I am so glad John was able to beat his demons.
Damn was lucky enough to have been at Fenway for the Boston show john mentioned. His playing was beautiful especially his version of Danny’s song
It seems the Chili’s play for each other. The chemistry of the band is paramount. They play for each other
can not wait for part 2. john almost seemed like "yea? end it? I'm kinda in it right now"
John is one of my favorite guitar player and to hear him this way is fantastic. His likes in music spot on in my head too. So cool to hear this, can’t wait for the 2nd one. Been a peppers fan for a long time. I attended a show of many but one sticks out at SUNY Albany in 89 I believe. But I herd John playing Hendrix and was outside at the time. I couldn’t get in fast enough. Unbelievable show. So glad you are well John. Your music is needed.
I love to hear the background details on their music from John. You can really tell the amount of thought he puts into creating music, and the many influences he draws upon.
To me the sound of Californication was the embodiment of a phoenix rising, it literally sounds like rebirth.
That's exactly how I see it as
It sounds like a money grab.
@@BennieTarrMusicthen you don't know frusciante
I saw them in Charlotte and I’m so happy the band looks and sounds healthy, especially John. Missed him dearly and he is truly an artist’s artist. I hope to meet him even if for just a few minutes one day.
I live here now! Two of my favourite people not only together but realising the spirit that focus brings. Amazing and thanks for the tunes
I love how John remembers his memories through music. He remembers what album he was listening to at a certain point in his life, or right where he was when the idea for a song popped into his head. That’s really fascinating
John.. Man.. If you know, you know.. John is such an enigmatic & beautifully fascinating soul. You can tell how much of a spiritual journey he’s been on throughout his whole life.
He's a good actor... "look how humble I am. I did heroin and made boring heroin music..."
@@BennieTarrMusic ua-cam.com/video/fJWDba_GOhc/v-deo.html 🤣
I wish i could just hang with John and just go through so many records with him. You can hear his passion for music whenever he's talking about other songs or other records. Music is just oozing out of him and it shows when he plays. I just wanna listen to record after record with him.
Same
Yeah, boring hipster heroin music...
Good god, as I was standing outside last night, smoking a cigarette and listening to the new record I thought to myself: «dang, I really hope we get another Broken Record episode with the chili peppers, especially John, I really loved that». And here we are, prayers answered😅 Thanks for this amazing podcast!
Edit: This is the best interview EVER, done, no discussion. Wow, just wow🤯
how's the new stuff? Haven't had a single bit of it yet
@@vladrileynavilys it’s pretty damn good👌👌
@@vladrileynavilys very experimental
Yes i cant wait for the next part and I was going to re-listen to the old ones from UL release and then I saw this this morning and it made a good say even better
I agree, I was almost excited about this interview as I was for the new album ❤
John needs to write a book. Imagine the stories.
This might be the greatest interview I’ve ever heard… I don’t know who’s better with their words. Bravo gents 👏
This is the holy grail. Everything i wanted to know and hear about John, has been exposed here by Rick. Can’t wait for the 2nd part!
Wow, what an interview.
So amazing to hear John go so deep into his story.
Thank you for your art!
Jesus Christ, the Hollywood celebrity worship is sickening. He would be homeless if he wasn't famous. This is what happens when people get their asses kissed nonstop from a very young age.
THE best John Frusciante interview
This is just brilliant. We've heard a lot about these subjects before in interviews John's done over the years but none of them have been as personal as this. So interesting when he talks about that period between Mother's Milk and Blood Sugar and how he didn't think it would be ok for him to be bringing ideas and songs that were so outside the band's usual sound. Amazing how he didn't think of himself as being very good around that time either until very recently when he's looked back. Good to know he reflects back on things now in a better light. Also, mind blown to find out John didn't think anything of harmonies before Rick turned him onto the idea! When you consider how prominent they became on By the Way especially you would never guess John had to be convinced initially. Hopefully they do manage to keep up having these long conversations as I'm sure we could all listen for hours and never get bored.
Boring heroin guy.
Thank you Rick for getting John to sing harmonies…I love the harmonies more than the lead vocals😊
Rick is the artist whisperer! Welcome back to the band John! Loved the mile high show.
Do another episode with him and this time talk about by the way (dosed) and stadium arcadium.Pls do it as soon as possible. And also talk about his solo work.
I'm so happy we're getting more insight into the band, especially from John. I was wondering why his energy was so low since he came back this time. It's great to actually hear it from the horse's mouth. Thanks Rick. Thanks John.
That guy is an egomaniac.
@@BennieTarrMusic He's a rock star.
I came back from a festival in wales and my friend and I had been awake on acid all weekend. We went to school (no idea why) but it was weird so I called my dad who got us last minute tickets for your show in Sheffield, probably 2006, we took the last of our acid and my dad drove us their in this pick up truck and we were looking at the stars in the way and when we got there you and flea would play and it would literally paint the sky and make it dance. It was creating a sunset and it was magical and spiritual. Best part of the trip. Acid for the Children indeed 💖 ☀️
Reflecting back at this time of Blood Sugar, it’s amazing to me that they were telepathing a new consciousness by just going with their gut and what they were listening to. The “party” of the 80s was over, and I remember myself being more brooding, and that felt like the temperature of the times. This and Nevermind came out about the same time and that seemed to be what we were all feeling at that time around ‘91, when it felt like the 90s had really started.
BSSM and Nevermind dropped on the SAME DAY, and the world was never quite the same. Unfortunately, I was only 6 months old at the time, but I feel so incredibly fortunate to exist in an age where - despite the dark side of digital communication - it's possible to relive it at the drop of a dime. What you say here confirms all the suspicions I had about that period in time, based solely on historical observation and listening to an abundance of records in chronological order.
@@ignatiusjackson235 Yep, I can say in my world at this time, it was these, Dinosaur Jr., Smashing Pumpkins (Gish) and later that year Pavement hit the scene. Also fascinating to me, it was the British music that was more enduring for me and in contrast to the mood of American music at that time. Stone Roses, My Bloody Valentine, Lush, Ride was sultrier, softer, often more positive feeling. Totally different vibe and it seemed there were two different crowds who gravitated more towards one or the other. Gish was the outlier. It sounded British. But everything after sounded much more American indie to me. The lens I see much of the consciousness through is economics and politics. You can trace these together with the music of the times.
@@terrysowers8983 Good stuff, indeed. I agree with you about the politics of the era, too. A full dozen years of Reagan and Bush left us in pretty bad shape - let's not even get into Thatcher in the UK - and, even though Clinton turned out to be a corporate fraud, there was initially a sense of "yearning" for some sort of change, something "real" - that extended to every element of life, including music and politics. It didn't last very long, but the height of it all might have been the 1992 MTV VMA's. The backlash against the PMRC and "Satanic panic" in the '80s was pretty much in decline by the time Nirvana broke through. It seems like that wave of alternative rock coincided with a massive cultural wave of "getting back" to some semblance of "reality" after all the hairspray and synthesizers, etc.
the ending part where they talk about harmony and back vocal, i felt the same exact thing when john mentions almost all the songs that i like had the same thing. never knew it was rick rubins idea though, fantastic interview
I totally here John on the off nights, not being able to look at the audience etc. I love that he can be honest about
So interesting to hear about John's Synesthesia and how it contributed to his guitar playing and helped form him into who he is now, finding his creative style, i've never heard him mention it before. It reminds me of my view on music and films and how it's helped my photography. My main reason for liking certain music used to only be because it was catchy, if it sounded good i listened to it. I approached films in a smilar way, if the story was interesting i'd watch it. I played drums when i was a kid, studied music technology at college but i still never felt like i was big on music and similarly with films. I've been a photographer since my early 20s, but my interests on what i liked to take photos of was all over the place. Street photography, forests, rural photography, i loved it all. Obviously, the more you practice any kind of creativity, the more you'll start to find your style and the reason i got into photography to begin with was the cinematography (before i even knew cinematography was a thing) of a TV series called Utopia. So my early photography tied to replicate the look of that series, but my photography was still just an interest, something made me pick up a camera and take photos, but i didn't really have a drive or an idea of what photography is to me.
Then i discovered Tom Waits. First i heard Mule Variations and loved it for it's melodies, but then i went way back to Rain Dogs and it really got my imagination going. I saw things in my mind, colours and atmosphere, it wasn't Synesthesia but just a vivd imagination. The great thing about Tom Waits is that he creates a whole world of his own in each of his albums / songs and that helped a lot. From this, i was eager to find "films that feel like Tom Waits' music" and surprisingly, what i found did match the images and colours i had in my mind everytime i heard his music. I discovered films like City of Lost Children, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, started to get interested in gritty New York based films from the 70s and found out about the 'Neo Western' film genre. All this was like discovering a new world and it'd helped to shape my photography and has given me a new found appreciation for films and music, discovering all sorts of genres and different worlds . That was the starting point.
Now, music and films mesh into one to become my main source of inspiration for my photography. I'm constantly adding to a collection of photos that belong in different worlds. Right now i'm interested in The Velvet Underground and how i can translate the street energy you hear in the Loaded album to the context of British life. Basically putting the New York feel into my UK based street photography. I'm also interested in Shoegaze and have certain scenes, settings and colours that i associate with the genre that i take photos of.
Creatively speaking, It makes you think that these weird things happen in our brains when they need to. One thing leads to another and it helps us develop into our own uniqueness.
Everything seems to be layered, the more layers we can have on the daily cycle seems to be the more fulfilling way, because, then, looking from the outside it seems impossible to balance all the small details that are necessary to have it all and that brings up personal connections and destiny, and talent vs using people or deserving a lot in life based on past lives or a connection in the here and now with the living God.
A stark warning on the topic of drug addiction (particularly John's description of anhedonia and loss of identity)
Thank you for pushing through that DC show. A night I will never forget
Rick and Brian Eno have so similar approaches to letting music happen... low and behold he interviews him here.