The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

51. You can always just stand back

I'd like to start by saying thank you to anyone who's still reading this awful story. It's unbelievable that it reached 2000 reads, whoa!

***

After a show in London Anthony got a phone call. It was about his dad. His health was deteriorating. He could have died any time soon. 

- Guys, I'm so fucking sorry but we need to postpone this tour. I need to see my old man. I hope you understand.

Tony said to me, Flea and Chad as we sat in a circle on a carpet in his hotel room. He had red and puffy eyes.

- Of course, you need to be there for him. I'm so sorry about your dad.

I told him and patted his back.

- I have a plane to Michigan in 2 hours. Will you take care of Clara, Flea?

Ant asked.

- Yeah, don't worry about her. Man, I really hope Blackie will be okay. Tell him I'm praying for him.

Flea said.

- I will. Thank you. I'll be contacting our manager, I don't know who long I'll have to stay with my father.

- Take all the time you need. I think the break will be good for all of us.

I responded.

- Oh yeah, especially for you, Josh. You seem so down for the last couple of days. What's the matter? Are the crowds overwhelming you?

Flea asked me.

- No, I mean yes, but that's not the cause of my behavior. Fuck, I need to get it out. I know I can trust you, guys. So... I wanted to check out the band's Instagram account and I saw a tone of hateful comments about me. People's been saying that I can't play, I look like shit, I'm lying to John, I can't be his son. I found all of the worst insults I know under just one picture. And that's not just the Instagram.

- This needs to stop! We need to post an official statement or disable the comments. That's disgusting!

Anthony told me.

- Don't worry about it, you've got your own problems, Tony. I honestly don't know what to do. I lost the will to play any more concerts.

- Josh, you can't let them talk to you like that! Stand up for yourself, kid. That's what I was telling John when he first joined the band. Don't let others bring you down.

Chad said.

- I know you're right, Chad. I need to distance myself from the media.

- No, show all the haters that you have balls and it's not okay to insult anyone.

- You know me, I'd never do that. I'm a coward.

- Don't run away from problems. That's what John did and we almost lost him.

Chad added.

- Yeah... Easier said than done. I don't know. Anthony, shouldn't you be going now?

I changed the topic.

- Right.

Tony answered. He grabbed his suitcase and left the room.
I went to my room where Clara had been watching TV.

- So now you know...

She said as I entered the room.

- Yeah, poor Blackie. Didn't you want to go with Anthony?