ROAD WARRIORS II: The Chili Peppers, a...

ROAD WARRIORS II: The Chili Peppers, a newly chart-topping “alternative” band that is trying to take advantage of its popularity by staying on the road, has had a setback. Guitarist John Fruscante abruptly quit the band earlier this month, just after the start of a Japanese tour.

Thelonious Monster guitarist Zander Schloss was rushed to Japan to fill in, but the band felt that there was not enough time to break him in and canceled the remaining dates in Japan and Australia and packed up to return to Los Angeles.

A staffer at the band’s management office confirmed that the change will not affect the Peppers’ headlining status for the “Lollapalooza” tour or plans to play a July 4 festival in Belgium. Schloss is apparently among several candidates to step in on at least a temporary basis for the upcoming shows.