Former Red Hot Chili Peppers Guitarist Jack Sherman Dead at 64

Jack Sherman, the guitarist who played on the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ first two albums has passed away at the age of 64. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Sherman was actually the second guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He replaced founding guitarist Hillel Slovak before the recording of the first album, who had gone on to join a group called What is This. Sherman had written and played and written on the Red Hot Chili Peppers self-titled debut album. During the subsequent tour, tensions between Sherman and lead singer Anthony Kiedis developed and he was fired from the band. Ironically Sherman would replaced by the man he replaced, Hillel Slovak who had just left What is This. Sherman is still credited with writing credits for many of the tracks of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ second album, Freaky Styley.  Slovak would pass away in 1988 from a heroin overdose.

Following his departure Sherman would work with Bob Dylan on his Knocked Out Loaded album and George Clinton’s R&B Skeletons in the Closet. At the same time Sherman would contribute to later albums by the Red Hot Chili Peppers including Mothers Milk and The Abbey Road E.P..

When the Red Hot Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, Sherman was snubbed of induction, igniting some more tensions with the band.

The band released the following statement on social media:

We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed. Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA. He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform.