Jack Sherman, one of the first guitarists in Red Hot Chili Peppers, has passed away at the age of 64.
The band confirmed the news via Instagram, sharing an image of Sherman with lead singer Anthony Keidis. "Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA. He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform."
Sherman replaced founding member Hillel Slovak, who eventually died in 1988 from a heroin overdose. Sherman was brought in to record their first album, and rejoined the band after Slovak left the band a second time.
As well as playing on their first album, Sherman also contributed to later albums such as 'Mother's Milk', 'Freaky Styley', as well as 'The Abbey Road EP'. Beyond his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sherman was a session player on albums for Bob Dylan, Fergal Sharkey, and George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic.
Sherman was, however, excluded from the Red Hot Chili Peppers' induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was vocal about the exclusion. In an interview with Billboard, Sherman said that he believed he was excluded by the band specifically, though the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame had specific rules regarding which members of any band are included.
The cause of Sherman's death has not yet been determined or confirmed.
