What an amazing couple of days it has been for US rock band Red Hot Chilli Peppers. An honour, the return of their beloved guitarist, and yes, getting their very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The star feels long overdue, since people have all been rocking out to US band Red Hot Chili Peppers since the early 1980s, but it has finally happened. The ceremony was held 31 March, with fellow celebs Woody Harrelson and Bob Forrest, as well as Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman, Nicole Mihalka in attendance. The actual unveiling was performed by funk musician and producer of the Peppers 1985 album Freaky Styley, George Clinton.

Frontman Anthony Kiedis had an interesting reaction to the honour, characteristically using his signature brand of humour and humility when speaking with Variety:

"I'm pretty sure that I have inadvertently vomited on Hollywood Walk of Fame stars in my lifetime. I've certainly slept on top of Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame stars in my lifetime. I've trod upon them not as a tourist but as a person running from the authorities or possibly running from somebody that I owed money to."

Clearly, this accolade and all the band's years of immense success has not made Kiedis forget where he comes from. 

But there is more news to celebrate. Guitarist John Frusciante is back! His role in the band has wavered over the years, since first joining in 1988, owing to his substance use concerns. But he is looking and sounding healthier than ever, and in many ways, it feels like he never left.

April 1st marks the release of Red Hot Chili Peppers latest offering, Unlimited Love, their first album since 2016's The Getaway, and their first with Frusciante since Stadium Arcadium in 2006. Lead single Black Summer dropped February 4 and was the first hint that Peppers fans were in for a real treat.

Now the full album is here, and it is mind blowing. 17 tracks that feel like classic Red Hot Chili Peppers with some delicious twists and turns thrown in. You feel this one. It makes you think and makes you want to party, all at the same time. 

The band will be embarking on a tour of at least 30 cities to support the album in June, so Peppers fans, watch out for the tour dates near you!  

Author: Harley Houghton

Harley Houghton is a writer and blogger, based in Melbourne, Australia. Her passions include music, especially metal, gaming and comics. Check out her blog www.harleysmadhouse.com and follow her on Twitter.