Red Hot Chili Peppers Find Their New Axeman

Although a photo on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' website still features ex-guitarist John Frusciante, it appears the band have found a new axeman.

Australian music site Undercover reports that Josh Klinghoffer is the new member and will make his debut with the band when they perform Jan. 29 at MusiCares. Klinghoffer reportedly confirmed the news on Saturday (Jan. 2).

Klinghoffer, 30, worked on some of Frusciante's solo albums over the years and released a joint album with him entitled A Sphere In The Heart Of Silence. He also appeared on Frusciante's most recent solo album, last year's The Empyrean.

Klinghoffer also played drums in Ataxia, a side project featuring Fruciante and Fugazi bassist Joe Lally. Klinghoffer has also performed with PJ Harvey, Gnarls Barkley and Beck, among others.

Klinghoffer had been jamming with the band following Frusciante's departure. Frusciante announced he'd left the band on Dec. 16, saying he hadn't been a member of the Chili Peppers for a year. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are working on new material for a studio album.

Frusciante was with the band for their 1989 album Mother’s Milk and 1991's Blood Sugar Sex Magik, but originally quit the band in 1992. He returned to the group and has appeared on every album since 1999's Californication.