Rick Rubin has been one of the biggest influences in music back in the 80s. He has been consistently praised for his contribution in music. One of his most frequent collaborators is Red Hot Chili Peppers, as he’s produced all of their albums since their 1991 breakthrough Blood Sugar Sex Magik (except for 2016’s The Getaway, which Danger Mouse produced).

However, former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer for The Getaway and 2011’s I’m With You, has other opinions on Rubin.

Josh Klinghoffer shares his honest thoughts on Rick Rubin’s contributions in Red Hot Chili Peppers

It turns out Josh Klinghoffer didn’t see Rubin as an asset. In a recent interview with VWMusic, Klinghoffer was asked about his takeaway from his time as a Chili Pepper. He teased some strong feelings, saying he’s “incredibly conflicted” about his output with the band because with both albums he was a part of, “producers got in the way of us truly making great music or a great record.”

He didn’t mention Danger Mouse by name but he did call out Rubin directly, saying, “I like almost all of the songs that we wrote together, but seldom did we capture them in the best way. I will say that in the case of I’m With You, I feel Rick Rubin was way more a hindrance than a help. He told me once, ‘I just want to help the songs be the best they can be.’ I should’ve said, ‘Well, then get your driver to come and get you.’”

Red Hot Chili Peppers are currently on a tour extensively in 2022. Based on Josh Frusciante’s recent comments, there probably won’t be any material from I’m with You or The Getaway in the setlist. Red Hot Chili Peppers returned with ‘Unlimited Love’ which is their first album to feature the classic lineup of John Frusciante, Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Chad Smith since 2006.