Guitarist Jack Sherman, who appeared on the debut album of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and even wrote much of the second album, has died aged 64.
“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,” the band wrote on Twitter.
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. pic.twitter.com/2vpZ3wrYRN
— Red Hot ChiliPeppers (@ChiliPeppers) August 22, 2020
“He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform.”
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Sherman replaced Hillel Slovak as guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers in December 1983 and remained with the band for their first tour in 1984. In 1985, Slovak returned to the band, replacing Sherman once more.
He is best known for composing work on their debut album as well as songs for the follow-up record, Freaky Styley.
After leaving the band, Sherman went on to contribute to the group's future albums The Abbey Road EP and Mother's Milk. He also worked with other prominent artists such as Bob Dylan and George Clinton.
Sherman was not included when other band members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. He later criticised the decision, saying that he asked to be included but felt “dishonoured”.
"It's really painful to see all this celebrating going on and be excluded," he told Billboard magazine 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.”
