Jack Sherman, Former Guitarist for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dead at 64
The guitarist was an integral member of the band’s early days, co-writing much of their sophomore release, ‘Freaky Styley.’
Jack Sherman, the guitarist who is best known for playing on Red Hot Chili Peppers self-titled debut album and co-writing much of their sophomore release, Freaky Styley, passed away today at the age of 64. The cause of death is not yet determined. He was the second guitarist for the band after the departure of Hillel Slovak, who later returned to the group, replacing Sherman in 1985.
The band released a statement on social media, writing, “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.”
Bassist Flea commented on the post, “Love to Sherm.”
When the Red Hot Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, Sherman, along with four of the eight guitarists who had played with the band, were excluded from induction. He told Billboard at the time, “”I’m not claiming that I’ve brought anything other to the band… but to have soldiered on under arduous conditions to try to make the thing work, and I think that’s what you do in a job, looking back. And that’s been dishonored. I’m being dishonored, and it sucks.” The band claimed the decision was that of the Hall’s, not their own.
Frontman Anthony Kiedis later responded via his autobiography, “God bless Jack, he did keep the band afloat for a year, and if he hadn’t, the years to follow probably wouldn’t have.”
Sherman later contributed to the RCHP album Mother’s Milk and The Abbey Road EP. He also went on to work with prominent artists like Bob Dylan and George Clinton.
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