Back in May last year, FasterLouder reported that divisive funk rockers Red Hot Chili Peppers would be “disbanding for the moment”. Some commiserated, others shrugged and many danced a little jig. However, drummer Chad Smith has now told Billboard the time is right for a return.

“It’ll be two years in September, so now we’re ready,” he announced. “You can’t force people to play when they don’t want to play or aren’t ready to play or whatever – not in our band, anyway.” The band expects to return to the studio in October to start sketching out ideas for an album (quiet down, you in the back).

Smith conceded that his reunion with the Chili Peppers could make him the “bad guy” with new compadres Chickenfoot, although the supergroup has agreed to work around his schedule. The skinsman is also preparing a record with his other group the Meatbats; which he described to Billboard as “not for the Mariah Carey crowd”.