LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante has confirmed he quit the chart-topping funk-rock band for a second time, claiming that "my musical interests have led me in a different direction."

Frusciante, 39, first left the group in 1992, ended up as a homeless heroin addict who lost all his teeth, and then rejoined five years later.

He revealed his latest departure on his Web site on Wednesday, saying that he actually split over a year ago while the band was on hiatus.

"There was no drama or anger involved, and the other guys were very understanding. They are supportive of my doing whatever makes me happy and that goes both ways," said Frusciante, who has released 10 decidedly non-commercial solo albums over the years.

Singer Anthony Kiedis, bass player Michael "Flea" Balzary and drummer Chad Smith are reportedly in the studio recording a follow-up to the group's Grammy-winning 2006 album "Stadium Arcadium." There was no official word on Frusciante's replacement.

More of the story,
click image