Chili Peppers extend hiatus but aren't splitting

Red Hot Chili Peppers member Chad Smith has denied rumours the band are splitting, insisting they're just enjoying a well earned break.

Red Hot Chili Peppers member Chad Smith has denied rumours the band are splitting, insisting they are just enjoying a well earned break.

The California hitmakers announced a year-long hiatus last year, which they have now extended for a further six months.

But drummer Smith insists fans should not be alarmed - they are coming back.

He tells Q magazine: "We're not playing right now, but we played a lot before. It was time to take a little break and live your life."