June 30, 2011 19:53

Flea: "Our career has been a series of lives and deaths and rebirths"

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist talks about 'rebirth' album 'I'm With You'

Photo Gallery: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has spoken about their new album and the change in direction from the band, brought on by John Frusciante's departure.

Speaking to Stereogum about their imminent release, Flea said, "The number one difference is John Frusciante left the band, and he was a huge part of our creative process for a long time. I’m so grateful for him.

"He just gave us so much as a songwriter, as a player, as a human being, and just his relationship to music, which is such a beautiful and pure and powerful one."

Frusciante left the band in 2009. He has since worked on music with The Mars Volta and Wu Tang Clan as well as his own duo, Speed Dealer Moms.

Flea, real name Michael Balzary, said of the Chili Peppers, "Those changes are really big for us, you know, aesthetically and emotionally and spiritually.

"It’s a much different thing, our career has been a series of lives and deaths and rebirths. It's just like a very meaningful and rejuvenating rebirth for us."

'I'm With You', the Red Hot Chili Peppers' 10th album, is due for release on August 30.

The band will headline the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan in August.

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