The Red Hot Chili Peppers are a funk rock band based in Hollywood, California and were formed in 1983, in Los Angeles, California. The band currently consists of founding members Anthony Kiedis (vocals) and Michael Flea Balzary (bass) along with a longtime member Chad Smith (drums). Guitarist John Frusciante quietly left the band on good terms in late 2008. On January 2, 2010, Josh Klinghoffer was announced as Frusciante's replacement. The band initially formed for a one-off support act for a friend's band, calling themselves Tony Flow And The Miraculously Majestic Masters Of Mayhem. Upon renaming themselves Red Hot Chili Peppers, they played a handful of small club venues in Los Angeles in 1983, before they were signed to EMI Records. Current members: Vocal: Anthony Kiedis (1983-present). Guitar: Josh Klinghoffer (2009-present). Bass: Michael Peter Flea Balzary (1983-present). Drums: Chad Smith, (1988-present). Previous members: Notable guitarists (in chronological order): Hillel Slovak (1983-1984), Jack Sherman (1984), Hillel Slovak (1985-1988), John Frusciante (1988-1992), Arik Marshall (1992-1993), Jesse Tobias (1993) Dave Navarro (1993-1998), John Frusciante (1998-2008) Notable drummers (in chronological order): Jack Irons (1983-1984), Cliff Martinez (1984-1987), Jack Irons (1987-1988), D.H. Peligro (1988), Chad Smith, (1988-present) The Red Hot Chili Peppers' original founder and guitarist, Slovak, was replaced in 1984 by Jack Sherman, while Slovak and Irons reco...