In the intervening time Smith has been part of Chickenfoot with Sammy Hagar and Michael Anthony of Van Halen and guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani. He's also just released a funk instrumental album with his other side-project, the Bombastic Meatbats.

But now Smith tells Rolling Stone the funk-rock four piece are ready to get back in the game, and will convene for songwriting on October 12. He says: "I'm going back to playing with the Chili Peppers and I've no idea what it might sound like - which is exciting. It's been two years and we'll just get back together and play. This is my favourite part: the creative process. It's the coolest part of making music and being in a band.
- more on this story

Preview and Purchase Red Hot Chili Peppers CDs