This Day In History: Chili Peppers Release ‘Californication’

On June 8^th, 1999, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released their seventh studio album, Californication.  The album marked the return of guitarist John Frusciante, and put the Chili Peppers back in top form after the trying period of time with Dave Navarro on guitar in the mid-90’s.  The album has sold over 5 million copies in the U.S. and over 15 million worldwide.  It’s my favorite Chili Peppers album.

The Chili Peppers once again brought in Rick Rubin to produce the album, which spawned several successful singles including “Around the World”, “Otherside”, “Californication”, and the Grammy Award winning lead single, “Scar Tissue”.  17 years later, I still think it’s the band’s high water mark. 

The Chili Peppers are still getting it done, albeit once again without Frusciante.  The band was inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.  Their new album, The Getaway arrives on June 17th.

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