Be Like Josh

I am a huge John Frusciante fan. He is one of my all time favorite guitarists. Even though I am not the biggest Red Hot Chili Peppers (RHCP) fan, I love his playing and the songs he created with the band. I went to see them once. He had left the band a month or so beforehand, but I had already bought the tickets. I went to the show as there were a few other bands playing that night that I wanted to see. The RHCP were talented and entertaining, but something was missing without John F. There is indescribable energy emanating from their music when he is a member of the band.

I was so excited when he came back to the band the first time and I was sad to see him leave a  second time. I followed his solo career. Some of it was amazing and some of it was ok. I liked his music better when he was a member of the RHCP. A few of his songs with the RHCP,  such as Higher Ground, I Could Have Lied, and Don’t Forget Me are on constant play in my car and in my offices. 

I was really excited to hear that he was coming back to the Red Hot Chili Peppers for a second time. I am not familiar with his replacement’s, Josh Klinghoffer, work with the band. I started to read the interviews Josh gave after he was released from the band. He was absolutely gracious in his disappointment. He had nothing but praise for the other members of the band and for John’s playing. Clearly, he wanted to still be in the band, but he knew why he wasn’t. His greatest statement to the band was “I wish I did something that would make your [the Red Hot Chili Peppers’] decision impossible.” He knew that there was better chemistry between John and the band. He knew that John was an amazing master and had a bigger impact on the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He did not blame anyone else. He knew that the band was better with John. He took the news that his dreams were shattered with class and dignity. 

I want to be more like Josh in everything that I do. He may not be one of my favorite guitar players, but he is an amazing example of how I want to live my life, with great dignity and character. Talent is good, but character is more important. Now I have two RHCP guitarists to look up to.

Be Better