The American guitarist passed away at the age of 64. The news was given through the official social networks of his personal account and the account of the band.
Red Hot Chili Peppers has paid tribute to Jack Sherman through their social networks for his death. The musician was known for playing guitar for the recording of the band’s first self-titled album.
«He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform.« – RHCP’s official Twitter account.
A few days ago the release of the album «Freaky Styley» was celebrated, where Sherman co-wrote most of the material.
«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 through their official account.
The guitarist entered the band replacing founding member Hillel Slovak when Hillel decided to stay with his other band «What is this?« After the promotional tour of the first album, Sherman was fired due to constant arguments between him and the band.
Sherman alleged that he was bullied by Anthony Kiedis and Flea, members of the band, for his healthy lifestyle including his veganism. Whereas in his time, Kiedis explained that Sherman was very uptight and if he had joked back they probably would have gotten along better.
The tension would rise when the ex-member legally sued Red Hot Chili Peppers for not having paid his royalties. As well as trying to report Kiedis and Flea for emotional damage.
Jack Sherman would later return to the band to collaborate as a background singer on a couple of songs from the album «Mother’s Milk«, which included the cover of Stevie Wonder’s song «Higher Ground«.
When the band entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, Sherman was not included and nor was Dave Navarro, who also played guitar for the band’s other albums. The Hall of Fame explained that this was because it is customary that only founding members or those who have played for multiple albums are added.
To Sherman, this seemed like just another move by the band to keep him and Dave Navarro out of the Hall of Fame. «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.» said Jack Sherman for Billboard.
Andy Gill, who produced the band’s first album, explained to Diffuser FM that Jack was the one who introduced them to funkadelic (funk guitar), «they really didn’t know about that, so he brought a bit of that to the band» he commented in his interview.
Despite all the ups and downs with the band, the guitarist kept his musical career active, collaborating with Bob Dylan, George Clinton, Feargal Sharkey, and Peter Case.
Years later, Anthony Kiedis highlighted in his memory that Jack Sherman «kept the band afloat for a year, and if he hadn’t, the following years probably wouldn’t have.«
The guitarist passed away on August 18, and the band Red Hot Chili Peppers pronounced his death on August 21. The causes of his death have not been made public.
Jack Sherman playing the guitar at Social Club pub: