Josh Klinghoffer says Red Hot Chili Peppers departure was a "complete shock but not a surprise"

Last month, Red Hot Chili Peppers made every Chili Peppers' fans' dreams come true by announcing the return of longtime guitarist John Frusciante.

With Frusciante back in, it meant that it was time for Josh Klinghoffer to go.

Speaking on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast, Klinghoffer shared the details of his departure from the band. He said, "I rode my bike over [to bassist Flea’s house]. They just said, 'We’ll get right to it. We’ve decided to ask John to come back to the band.' And I just sat there quiet for a second and I said, 'I’m not surprised'."

He went on to describe the conversation as "really sweet", and added, "It’s absolutely John’s place to be in that band. So that’s why I’m happy for him. I’m happy that he’s back with them."

Klinghoffer also explained that Frusciante's musical relationship with the band is completely unique and irreplaceable, "John and Flea have a musical language. I’ll never be able to contend with the history him and John had."

The former RHCP guitarist was in the process of writing new songs with the band, but now the band have confirmed they're working with Frusciante again, Klinghoffer's work has presumably been scrapped.

Klinghoffer joined Red Hot Chili Peppers as a guitarist in 2009, but had been a longtime friend of the band, often touring and playing keyboards on stage with Frusciante and co. He also made a collaborative album in 2004 with Frusciante.