John Anthony Frusciante is an American singer, musician, songwriter, and producer. John is most widely known as the lead guitarist of the band, Red Hot Chilli Peppers. He has recorded five albums with the band and made a recent comeback in 2019 after leaving them back in 2009. John also works as a solo artist and has released twelve studio albums and seven EPs. He has collaborated with various artists throughout his careers, such as Black Knights, Johnny Cash, Johnny Marr, George Clinton, Duran Duran and many more. He is also ranked no 42 on Gibson’s list of the “50 Best Guitarists of All Time”. In 2012, John was also included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
John Frusciante had some interesting tattoos on his body. During the late ’80s, John got a few tattoos on his body but they were damaged due to his battle with drugs in the early 90s. Many of the tattoos have faded or disappeared. Let us take a look at the ones he has and the meanings they hold.
1. Octopus Tattoo
Tattoo: The right shoulder of the guitarist contained a large tattoo of an octopus.
Meaning: This tattoo was done as a souvenir to the Positive Mental Octopus tour which Red Hot Chilli Peppers did to promote their Mother’s Milk album. Chad Smith also got a tattoo of an octopus but on his thigh.
2. Mask and Face Tattoos
Tattoo: The inner side of his left forearm contained a tattoo of a very intricate face with a headband and tattoos on its forehead along with a small tiki mask grinning, with a design done just above his wrist.
Meaning: The tattoos were inspired by the cover image of Ornette Coleman’s album, Dancing In Your Head.
3. Shield Design Tattoo
Tattoo: There is a tattoo on the left shoulder of the musician which represents a shield along with an emblem and two birds that make up a design of a shield.
Meaning: John got this tattoo as a nod to the Native Americans flashes.
4. Lines Tattoo
Tattoo: The outer side of his right forearm contained a tattoo of a pattern two lines, red and black entwined with one another, in various shapes and designs. This tattoo has also since then disappeared due to his drug abuse.
Meaning: The tattoo represents the simple symbols of a man and a woman in sexual positions.
5. Asterisk Tattoo
Tattoo: The inner side of his right forearm contained a tattoo of a red and black asterisk mark.
Meaning: The asterisk mark is the logo of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. He got this matching tattoo along with Anthony Kiedis who also has the asterisk in the same place.
Most of the tattoos on John’s body have been ruined or have disappeared due to his drug abuse phase. The tattoo on his left shoulder of the shield is still intact and present on his body.
