In February 2020, John Frusciante reunited with the Red Hot Chili Peppers for his first performance with the band in over a decade. This special gig was part of a memorial show organized by the Tony Hawk Foundation.
The event also featured former RHCP guitarist Dave Navarro and his Jane’s Addiction bandmates, who performed a four-song set. During the performance, Frusciante joined Navarro and the band for a rendition of “Mountain Song.” This collaboration was notable as it was the first time Frusciante and Navarro played together despite their long-standing friendship and connections with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
In an interview with Guitar World, Navarro reminisces about this memorable moment and explains how the impromptu performance came to be. Navarro shares that despite his previous involvement with the Chili Peppers, he had never played with Frusciante until that night. He recounts reaching out to Frusciante and insisting he join for a song. Frusciante eagerly agreed, leading to their joint performance.
Navarro had previously filled in for Frusciante in the Red Hot Chili Peppers after Frusciante’s departure in 1992. Navarro, who was not part of Jane’s Addiction at the time, was brought into the band following brief stints by other guitarists. He recorded the album One Hot Minute before leaving the band in 1998, with Frusciante rejoining that same year.
John Frusciante rejoined Red Hot Chili Peppers
Over the years, the two guitarists maintained a close relationship. Navarro recalls a time when he brought a Les Paul to Frusciante in rehab after his first exit from the Chili Peppers. Although Frusciante sold the guitar to buy drugs, he later made amends by gifting Navarro a replacement Gibson Les Paul.
“I know they’re phenomenal guitar players, and it’s fun for me to hear our songs with just a completely out-of-left-field take on the soloing. There’s like a brotherhood and a unity among musicians. And with guitar players especially, that happens. It’s really special.”
