Early Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Jack Sherman has passed away at the age of 64, the band confirmed late Friday night. The band did not reveal a cause of death.

“We of the RHCP family would like to wish Jack Sherman smooth sailing into the worlds beyond, for he has passed. Jack played on our debut album as well as our first tour of the USA,” the Chili Peppers wrote in an Instagram post. “He was a unique dude and we thank him for all times good, bad and in between. Peace on the boogie platform.”

Sherman became a Chili Pepper in 1983 after founding guitarist Hillel Slovak departed. Sherman would later appear on the band’s debut self-titled album in 1984, tour with the group throughout the year, and even co-write songs for RHCP’s sophomore album, Freaky Styley. Slovak returned to the group and replaced Sherman in 1985, however, Jack’s vocals would appear on tracks as late as 1989’s Mother’s Milk album.

After his departure from the band, Sherman worked with several greats, including Bob Dylan and George Clinton. Dylan’s 1986 album Knocked Out Loaded and Clinton’s R&B Skeletons in the Closet both credit Sherman, as well as Feargal Sharkey‘s 1988 studio effort, Wish. 

Celebrate Sherman’s life with this 1984 video of RHCP’s first television appearance, performing “True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes” and “Get Up And Jump” at KTTV studios in Los Angeles, CA.

Red Hot Chili Peppers – “True Men Don’t Kill Coyotes”/”Get Up And Jump”

[Video: Ludwig Vilas]