Red Hot Chili Peppers Prepare New Album

Red Hot Chili Peppers are apparently half-way through recording their new album with Rick Rubin.

Red Hot Chili Peppers may have done little in the past few years, but the band are still generating astonishing interest. Perhaps it's their lasting appeal, or more likely the flurry of rumours around the band.

John Frusciante departed last year, while bass player Flea has been working with Thom Yorke. Meanwhile, drummer Chad Smith has embarked on a number of projects including teasing fans about a possible new album.

Rumours have been circulating for some time, with Red Hot Chili Peppers reportedly working with legendary producer Rick Rubin. Sessions are ongoing, with a follow up to 2006's 'Stadium Arcadium' due next year.

Speaking to MusicRadar, drummer Chad Smith explained that the album is about half finished. "We're probably halfway through the record," he explained.

I think we've tracked about 20 songs already, and there's a few more left to do. Then we'll whittle them down to make the best record. We always cut a lot of songs and see which ones rise and which ones fall - that's just how we like to work," he continued.

"But the new one won't be a double album like 'Stadium Arcadium', I can tell you that."

Red Hot Chili Peppers decided to take time off after an epic world tour. Sealing their position as one of the biggest rock groups on the planet, any new material would delight millions of fans across the globe.

Featuring new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, the new album could drop as early as March 2011. "We'd like to try to deliver the album in March," explained Chad Smith. "We're definitely hoping to have it out by next summer. It's been a long time in coming."

Meanwhile, Chad Smith also hinted at a busy festival schedule. Glastonbury? Reading? T In The Park? He didn't say...