With new recruits Frusciante and Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded Mother's Milk (1989) and their first major commercial success, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). Frusciante was uncomfortable with their newfound popularity and left abruptly on tour in 1992. After a series of temporary guitarists, he was replaced by Dave Navarro, who appeared on the group's sixth album, One Hot Minute (1995). Although successful, the album failed to match the critical or popular acclaim of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Frusciante and Kiedis struggled with drug addiction throughout the 1990s.
In 1998, following Navarro's departure, Frusciante rejoined the band. Their seventh album, Californication (1999), became their biggest commercial success, with 16 million copies sold worldwide. By the Way (2002) and Stadium Arcadium (2006) were also successful; Stadium Arcadium was their first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Frusciante left again in 2009 to focus on his solo career; he was replaced by Josh Klinghoffer, who appeared on I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), before Frusciante rejoined in 2019. They released their 12th and 13th albums, Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen, in 2022.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed in Los Angeles in 1982 by singer Anthony Kiedis, guitarist Hillel Slovak, bassist Flea, and drummer Jack Irons, classmates at Fairfax High School.[8] Their first performance was on December 16, 1982, at the Grandia Room club on Hollywood Boulevard to a crowd of approximately 30. Gary Allen, a friend of the band, was hosting a release party for his new EP and asked Kiedis and Flea to put together an opening act.[1]
At the time, Slovak and Irons were already committed to another group, What Is This?; however, the new band was asked to return the following week.[9] In March, they changed their name to the Red Hot Chili Peppers, playing several shows at Los Angeles venues. Six songs from these shows were on the band's first demo tape.[10] In November 1983, manager Lindy Goetz struck a seven-album deal with EMI America and Enigma Records. Two weeks earlier, however, What Is This? had also obtained a record deal with MCA, and in December Slovak and Irons quit the Red Hot Chili Peppers to focus on What Is This?.[11] Flea and Kiedis recruited Weirdos drummer Cliff Martinez and guitarist Jack Sherman.[12]
The band released their debut album, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, in August 1984. Airplay on college radio and MTV helped build a fan base,[13] and the album sold 300,000 copies. Gang of Four guitarist Andy Gill, who produced the album, pushed the band to play with a cleaner, more radio-friendly sound,[14] and the band was disappointed with the result, finding it over-polished.[15] The album included backing vocals by Gwen Dickey, the singer for the 1970s disco funk group Rose Royce.[16] The band embarked on a gruelling tour, performing 60 shows in 64 days. During the tour, continuing musical and lifestyle tension between Kiedis and Sherman complicated the transition between concert and daily band life.[17] Sherman was fired in February 1985,[18] and Slovak, who had just quit What Is This?, rejoined the band.[19]
1985–1988: Building a following, drug abuse, and death of Slovak
Vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea (pictured in August 1989) have remained with the Red Hot Chili Peppers through the band's history.
The second Chili Peppers album, Freaky Styley (1985), was produced by funk musician George Clinton, who introduced elements of punk and funk into the band's repertoire.[20] The album featured Maceo Parker and Fred Wesley. The band used heroin while recording the album, which influenced the lyrics and music.[21] The band had a much better relationship with Clinton than with Gill,[22] but Freaky Styley, released on August 16, 1985, also achieved little success, failing to make an impression on any chart. The band also considered the subsequent tour unproductive.[23][24][25] Despite the lack of success, the band was satisfied with Freaky Styley; Kiedis reflected that "it so surpassed anything we thought we could have done that we were thinking we were on the road to enormity."[26] Around this time, the band appeared in the 1986 films Thrashin', playing the song "Blackeyed Blonde" from Freaky Styley, and Tough Guys, performing the unreleased song "Set It Straight".[27]
In early 1986, EMI gave the Chili Peppers $5,000 to record a demo tape for their next album. They chose to work with producer Keith Levene from Public Image Ltd, as he shared their interest in drugs.[28] Levene and Slovak put aside $2,000 of the budget to spend on heroin and cocaine, which created tension between the band members. Martinez's "heart was no longer in the band", but he did not quit, so Kiedis and Flea fired him in April 1986.[29] Irons rejoined the band, to their surprise; it marked the first time all four founding members were together since 1983. During the recording and subsequent tour of Freaky Styley, Kiedis and Slovak were dealing with debilitating heroin addictions. Due to his addiction, Kiedis "didn't have the same drive or desire to come up with ideas or lyrics" and appeared at rehearsal "literally asleep".[30]
For their third album, the Chili Peppers attempted to hire Rick Rubin to produce, but he declined due to the band's increasing drug problems. They eventually hired Michael Beinhorn from the art funk project Material, their last choice.[31] The early attempts at recording were halted due to Kiedis's worsening drug problems, and Kiedis was briefly fired.[32] After the band were named "band of the year" by LA Weekly, Kiedis entered drug rehabilitation.[33] The band auditioned new singers,[34] but Kiedis, now sober, rejoined the recording sessions with new enthusiasm.[35] Songs formed quickly, blending the funk feel and rhythms of Freaky Styley with a harder, more immediate approach to punk rock. The album was recorded in the basement of the Capitol Records Building.[36] The recording process was difficult; Kiedis would frequently disappear to seek drugs;[37] after fifty days of sobriety, Kiedis had decided to take drugs again to celebrate his new music.[36]
The third Red Hot Chili Peppers album, The Uplift Mofo Party Plan, was released in September 1987 and peaked at No. 148 on the Billboard 200 chart,[38] a significant improvement over their earlier albums. The band immediately embarked on a two and a half month North American tour to promote the release, accompanied by Faith No More as support who were also promoting their new album Introduce Yourself.[39][40] During this period, however, Kiedis and Slovak had both developed serious drug addictions,[41] often disappearing for days on end. Slovak died from a heroin overdose on June 25, 1988, soon after the conclusion of the Uplift tour.[42] Kiedis fled the city and did not attend Slovak's funeral.[43] Irons, troubled by the death, left the band; following years of depression, he became a member of the Seattle grunge band Pearl Jam in 1994.[44]
1988–1989: Frusciante and Smith join
Chad Smith (pictured in 2019) has been the Red Hot Chili Peppers' drummer since 1988.
DeWayne "Blackbyrd" McKnight, a former member of Parliament-Funkadelic, joined as guitarist, and D. H. Peligro of Dead Kennedys joined as drummer.[when?] Kiedis re-entered rehab for 30 days, and visited Slovak's grave as part of his rehabilitation, finally confronting his grief. Three dates into the tour, McKnight was fired for lack of chemistry with the band.[45] McKnight was so unhappy he threatened to burn down Kiedis's house.[46]
Peligro introduced Kiedis and Flea to teenage guitarist and Chili Peppers fan John Frusciante,[47] who brought a darker, more melodic rock style to the band.[48] Frusciante performed his first show with the Chili Peppers in September 1988. The new lineup began writing for the next album and went on a short tour, the Turd Town Tour. In November, Kiedis and Flea fired Peligro due to his drug and alcohol problems.[49] Following open auditions, they hired drummer Chad Smith in December 1988, who has remained since.[50] According to Smith, "We started playing, and right away we just hit it off musically."[51]
The Chili Peppers began work on their fourth album in late 1988.[52] Unlike the stop-start sessions for The Uplift Mofo Party Plan, preproduction went smoothly. However, the sessions were made tense by Beinhorn's desire to create a hit, frustrating Frusciante and Kiedis.[53] Released on August 16, 1989, Mother's Milk peaked at number 52 on the U.S. Billboard 200.[38] The record failed to chart in the United Kingdom and Europe, but climbed to number 33 in Australia.[54] "Knock Me Down" reached number six on the U.S. Modern Rock Tracks, whereas "Higher Ground" charted at number eleven[55] and reached number 54 in the UK and 45 in Australia and France.[56][57]Mother's Milk was certified gold in March 1990 and was the first Chili Peppers album to ship over 500,000 units.[58]
1990–1993: Blood Sugar Sex Magik, fame, and Frusciante's first departure
Rick Rubin has produced almost every Red Hot Chili Peppers album since 1991.
In 1990, after the success of Mother's Milk, the Chili Peppers left EMI and entered a major-label bidding war. They signed with Warner Bros. Records and hired the producer Rick Rubin. Rubin had turned the band down in 1987 because of their drug problems but felt they were now healthier and more focused; he went on produce several more of their albums. The writing process was more productive than it had been for Mother's Milk, with Kiedis saying, "[every day], there was new music for me to lyricize".[59] At Rubin's suggestion, they recorded in the Mansion, a studio in a house where magician Harry Houdini once lived.[60]
In September 1991, Blood Sugar Sex Magik was released. "Give It Away" was the first single, which achieved international fame and became the band's first number-one single on the Modern Rock chart.[55] The ballad "Under the Bridge" was the second single, and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the band's highest position to date.[55]
Blood Sugar Sex Magik sold over 12 million copies.[61] It was listed at number 310 on Rolling Stone's list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and in 1992 it rose to number three on the US album charts, almost a year after its release. The album was accompanied by a documentary, Funky Monks.[62] The Chili Peppers began their Blood Sugar Sex Magik tour, which featured Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins, three of the era's biggest upcoming bands in alternative music, as opening acts.[63]
Frusciante was troubled by fame, and began falling out with Kiedis. He isolated himself and developed a secret heroin addiction. In an appearance on Saturday Night Live, he performed off-key; Kiedis believed he wanted to sabotage the performance.[48] Frusciante abruptly quit after a show in Tokyo in May 1992.[48] He returned to Los Angeles and spent years living in squalor, struggling with addiction.[48]
The Chili Peppers dismissed Marshall[69] and held auditions for a new guitarist, including Buckethead, whom Flea felt was not right for the band.[70]Jesse Tobias of the Los Angeles band Mother Tongue was briefly hired, but dismissed due to poor chemistry.[71] However, Navarro said he was now ready to join the band.[72] In August 1993, the non-album single "Soul to Squeeze" was released and featured on the soundtrack to the film Coneheads.[73] The song topped the Billboard US Modern Rock chart.[74]
Dave Navarro (pictured in 2009) replaced Jesse Tobias as guitarist in 1993. He left in 1998.
Navarro first appeared with the Chili Peppers at Woodstock '94, performing early versions of new songs. This was followed by a brief tour, including headlining appearances at Pukkelpop and Reading Festivals and two performances as the opening act for the Rolling Stones.[75] The relationship between Navarro and the band began to deteriorate;[76] Navarro admitted he did not care for funk music or jamming. Kiedis had relapsed into heroin addiction following a dental procedure in which an addictive sedative, Valium, was used, though the band did not discover this until later.[77]
Without Frusciante, songs were written at a far slower rate.[77] Kiedis said: "John had been a true anomaly when it came to songwriting ... I just figured that was how all guitar players were, that you showed them your lyrics and sang a little bit and the next thing you knew you had a song. That didn't happen right off the bat with Dave."[77] With Kiedis often absent from recording due to his drug problems, Flea took on a larger role when he wrote and sang lead on "Pea".[78]
The Chili Peppers began the tour for One Hot Minute in Europe in 1995. The US tour was postponed after Smith broke his wrist. In 1997, several shows were cancelled following deteriorating band relations, injuries, and Navarro and Kiedis's drug use. The band played three shows that year, including the first Fuji Rock Festival in Japan.[85] In April 1998, the Chili Peppers announced that Navarro had left due to creative differences. Kiedis said the decision was mutual.[86] Reports at the time indicated that Navarro's departure came after he attended a band practice under the influence of drugs.[81]
1998–2001: Return of Frusciante and Californication
The band regained commercial success after guitarist John Frusciante (pictured in 2006) rejoined them in 1998. He left again in 2009 and rejoined in 2019.
With no guitarist, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were on the verge of breaking up.[87] In the years following Frusciante's departure, his heroin addiction had left him in poverty and near death.[88] Flea convinced Frusciante to enter Las Encinas Drug Rehabilitation Center in January 1998.[89][90] His addiction left him with scarring on his arms, a restructured nose, and dental implants following an oral infection.[91][92] In April 1998, Flea visited the recovered Frusciante and asked him to rejoin the band. Frusciante began sobbing and said nothing would make him happier.[93][94]
Red Hot Chili Peppers logo
In June 1999, after more than a year of production, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released Californication, their seventh studio album. It sold over 16 million copies, and remains their most successful album.[95]Californication contained fewer rap songs than its predecessors, instead integrating textured and melodic guitar riffs, vocals and basslines.[96] It produced three number-one modern rock hits, "Scar Tissue", "Otherside" and "Californication".[55]Californication received stronger reviews than One Hot Minute, and was a greater success worldwide.[96] While many critics credited the success of the album to Frusciante's return, they also felt Kiedis's vocals had also improved.[97] It was later listed at number 399 on the Rolling Stone magazine list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.[citation needed]
Californication was supported with a two-year international world tour, producing the first Chili Peppers concert DVD, Off the Map (2001).[98] In July 1999, the Chili Peppers played the closing show at Woodstock 1999.[8][99] During the set, a small fire escalated into violence and vandalism, resulting in the intervention of riot control squads.[100] ATMs and several semi-tractor trailers were looted and destroyed.[101][102] The band was blamed in the media for inciting the riots after performing a cover of the Jimi Hendrix song "Fire". In his memoir, Kiedis wrote: "It was clear that this situation had nothing to do with Woodstock anymore. It wasn't symbolic of peace and love, but of greed and cashing in."[103]
The Chili Peppers began writing their next album in early 2001, immediately following the Californication tour.[104] Frusciante and Kiedis would collaborate for days straight, discussing and sharing guitar progressions and lyrics.[105] For Kiedis, "writing By the Way... was a whole different experience from Californication. John was back to himself and brimming with confidence."[104] The recording was difficult for Flea, who felt his role was being diminished[106] and fought with Frusciante about the musical direction.[106] Flea considered quitting the band after the album, but the two worked out their problems.[107]
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing in Stockholm in 2003
In 2006, the Chili Peppers released their ninth album, Stadium Arcadium. Although they initially planned to release a trilogy of albums,[113] they chose to release a 28-track double album. It was their first album to debut at number one on the US charts, where it stayed for two weeks, and debuted at number one in the UK and 25 other countries. Stadium Arcadium sold over seven million units.[114] It won the Grammys for Best Rock Album and Best Rock Performance by a Duo Or Group With Vocal ("Dani California").[115]
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing at the Pinkpop Festival in 2006
The first single, "Dani California", was the band's fastest-selling single, debuting on top of the Modern Rock chart in the U.S., peaking at number six on the Billboard Hot 100, and reaching number 2 in the UK. "Tell Me Baby", released next, also topped the charts in 2006. "Snow (Hey Oh)" was released in late 2006, breaking multiple records by 2007. The song became their eleventh number-one single, giving the band a cumulative total of 81 weeks at number one. It was also the first time three consecutive singles by the band made it to number one. "Desecration Smile" was released internationally in February 2007 and reached number 27 on the UK charts. "Hump de Bump" was planned to be the next single for the US, Canada, and Australia only, but due to positive feedback from the music video, it was released as a worldwide single in May 2007.[citation needed]
In July 2009, Frusciante again left the Chili Peppers, though no announcement was made until December.[123] Frusciante explained on his Myspace page that there was no ill feeling about his departure this time, and that he wanted to focus on his solo work.[124] In October 2009, the Chili Peppers entered the studio to begin writing their tenth studio album, with Klinghoffer replacing Frusciante.[123] In January 2010, the Chili Peppers made their live comeback in January 2010, paying tribute to Neil Young with a cover of "A Man Needs a Maid" at MusiCares. In February, after months of speculation, Klinghoffer was confirmed as Frusciante's replacement.[125]
Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded their tenth album, I'm with You, between September 2010 and March 2011. They decided against releasing another double album, reducing the album to 14 tracks.[126]I'm with You was released in the US in August 2011. It topped the charts in 18 countries, and received mostly positive reviews. "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie", became the band's 12th number-one single.[127][128] "Monarchy of Roses", "Look Around" and "Did I Let You Know" (released only in Brazil), and "Brendan's Death Song" were also released as singles.[129]
A 2012 promotional image of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
In July 2011, the Chili Peppers played three invitation-only warm-up shows in California, their first since 2007.[130][131] They began a month-long promotional tour in August 2011, starting in Asia. The I'm with You World Tour ran from September 2011 until 2013. The North American leg, expected to begin in January 2012, was postponed to March due to a surgery Kiedis required for foot injuries he had sustained during the Stadium Arcadium tour. Following the I'm with You World Tour, the band set out on another small tour, including their first shows in Alaska, Paraguay, the Philippines and Puerto Rico.[132] Recordings from the tours were released in 2012 on the free 2011 Live EP.[citation needed]
In February 2014, the Chili Peppers joined Bruno Mars as performers at the Super Bowl XLVIII half-time show, watched by a record 115.3 million viewers. The performance was met with mixed reviews for its use of backing music; Flea responded that it was an NFL rule for bands to pre-record music due to time and technical issues, and that they had agreed because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. He said Kiedis's vocals were completely live and the band had recorded "Give it Away" during rehearsals.[137] The band began another tour in May 2013, which ended in June 2014. 2012-13 Live EP was released in July 2014 through their website as a free download.[citation needed]
The Chili Peppers released Fandemonium in November 2014, a book dedicated to their fans.[138] That December, they began work on their eleventh album, their first without producer Rick Rubin since 1989;[139] it was instead produced by Danger Mouse.[140] Flea broke his arm during a skiing trip, which delayed the recording for several months.[141] "Dark Necessities", the first single from their upcoming album, was released on May 5. Their eleventh album, The Getaway, was released in June.[142] Kiedis said the songs were influenced by a two-year relationship that fell apart.[143] "Dark Necessities" became the band's 25th top-ten single on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart, a record they hold over U2.[144] In February 2016, "Circle of the Noose", an unreleased song recorded with Navarro in 1998, was leaked.[145]
The Red Hot Chili Peppers performing at Rock am Ring in 2016
In May, the band released "The Getaway".[146] The music video for "Dark Necessities", directed by actress Olivia Wilde, was released in June 2016.[147]The Getaway made its debut at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart, behind Drake, who had the number-one album for eight consecutive weeks. The Getaway outsold Drake its opening week with album sales of 108,000 to 33,000 (actually placing him at 4th in sales for the week) though due to album streaming, Drake managed to top the band for the top position in the charts.[148][149] In July 2016, the Live In Paris EP was released exclusively through the music streaming website Deezer. "Go Robot" was announced as the second single from The Getaway. In the same month, the band members started to post images from the set of the music video.[150]The Getaway was reissued on limited edition pink vinyl in September, as part of 10 Bands 1 Cause. All money from sales of the re-issue went to Gilda's Club NYC an organization that provides community support for both those diagnosed with cancer and their caretakers. It is named after comedian Gilda Radner.[151]
The band began the headlining portion of the Getaway World Tour in September with the North American leg, featuring Jack Irons, the band's original drummer, as an opening act, beginning in January 2017.[152]Dave Rat, the band's sound engineer since 1991, announced that following the show of January 22, 2017, he would no longer be working with the band.[153]
The Getaway World Tour concluded in October 2017. The tour consisted of 151 shows lasting a year and almost five months.[154] In December, the band headlined the Band Together 2 Benefit Concert at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Money raised from the concert went to the Tipping Point Emergency Relief Fund which between 2005 and 2017 raised $150 million to educate, employ, house and support those in need in the Bay Area.[155]
2019–2023: Frusciante's second return, Unlimited Love, and Return of the Dream Canteen
The recording of the next Chili Peppers album was delayed due to the Woolsey Fire; the band performed a benefit show for fire victims on January 13, 2019.[156] In February, they performed "Dark Necessities" with rapper Post Malone at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.[157][158] They appeared in Malone's music video for "Wow", released in March.[159]
Red Hot Chili Peppers performing at the Ohana Music Festival in September 2019, three months before Klinghoffer was replaced by Frusciante
In February 2019, the Chili Peppers began a month-long tour, featuring their first headlining shows in Australia in 12 years,[160] including their first show in Tasmania, which was briefly halted due to a power outage.[161] On March 15, they performed in Egypt, becoming one of the few acts allowed to perform at the Pyramids of Giza.[162] The performance was livestreamed.[163] On October 26, the photographer David Mushegain announced that a Chili Peppers documentary was in the works.[164]
On December 15, 2019, the Chili Peppers announced that, after 10 years, Frusciante had rejoined, replacing Klinghoffer. They wrote that Klinghoffer was "a beautiful musician who we respect and love".[165] In an interview, Klinghoffer said there was no animosity: "It's absolutely John's place to be in that band ... I'm happy that he's back with them."[166] On November 2, the Chili Peppers performed their final show with Klinghoffer, at a charity event at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles.[167] Klinghoffer released his debut solo album, To Be One with You, on November 22, 2019, featuring Flea and the former Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons.[168]
On February 8, 2020, Frusciante performed with the Chili Peppers for the first time in 13 years at a memorial service held by the Tony Hawk Foundation for the film producer Andrew Burkle, the son of billionaire Ronald Burkle.[169] Shows were scheduled for three festivals that May,[170] but were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[171] In August, the former Chili Peppers guitarist Jack Sherman died aged 64; the band issued a statement thanking him for "all times good, bad and in between".[172]
On April 24, 2021, the Chili Peppers announced that they had left Q Prime, their management company for the previous 20 years, and would now be managed by their longtime friend Guy Oseary, founder of Maverick Records.[173] On May 3, it was reported that the Red Hot Chili Peppers would sell their back catalogue to Hipgnosis Songs Fund for $140–$150 million.[174] On March 31, the Chili Peppers received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[175]
The band performing in July 2023
The 12th Red Hot Chili Peppers album, Unlimited Love, produced by Rubin, was released on April 1, 2022. It debuted at number one in ten countries, becoming the first US number-one Chili Peppers album since Stadium Arcadium.[176] It was promoted with the singles "Black Summer"[177] and "These Are the Ways".[178]NME wrote that Unlimited Love shared the "melancholic riffmaking, anthemic choruses and softly-sung melodies" of Frusciante's previous work with the Chili Peppers, but introduced new "grungy" and acoustic elements.[179]
On the day of the release, the broadcasting company Sirius XM launched a dedicated Red Hot Chili Peppers channel, Whole Lotta Red Hot, featuring music videos, live performances and acts that influenced the Chili Peppers.[180] On June 4, the Red Hot Chili Peppers began their Global Stadium Tour.[181][182] The 13th Chili Peppers album, Return of the Dream Canteen, recorded during the same sessions as Unlimited Love, was released on October 14.[183] The first single, "Tippa My Tongue", was released in August,[184] followed by "The Drummer" in October.[185] The band's former drummer D.H. Peligro died at the age of 63 on October 28.[186]
2024–present: Upcoming fourteenth album
In April 2024, Smith said the Chili Peppers would take a break following their 2024 tour dates, and would start writing their next album in 2025.[187] In July, Klinghoffer was sued for wrongful death after striking a pedestrian and killing him in March 2024.[188] For the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics on August 11, the Chili Peppers provided a performance of "Can't Stop" ("Eddie" was performed during a post-Olympics special on NBC)[189] in Long Beach, California, representing Los Angeles, where the 2028 Summer Olympics will be held.[190][191]
Kiedis provided multiple vocal styles. His primary approach up to Blood Sugar Sex Magik was spoken verse and rapping, which he complemented with traditional vocals. This helped the band to maintain a consistent style.[210] As the group matured, notably with Californication (1999), they reduced the number of rapped verses. By the Way (2002) contained only two songs with a rap-driven verse and melodic chorus.[211] Kiedis's more recent style was developed through ongoing coaching.[212]
Original guitarist Slovak's style was based in blues and funk. Slovak was primarily influenced by hard-rock artists such as Hendrix, Kiss and Led Zeppelin,[213] while his playing method was based on improvisation common in funk.[214] He was noted for an aggressive playing style; he would often play with such force, that his fingers would "come apart".[214] Kiedis observed that his playing evolved during his time away from the group in What Is This?, when Slovak adopted a more fluid style featuring "sultry" elements compared to his earlier hard-rock techniques.[215] On The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987), Slovak experimented with genres outside of traditional funk music including reggae and speed metal.[216] His guitar riffs would often serve as the basis of the group's songs, with the other members writing their parts to complement his guitar work. His melodic riff featured in the song "Behind the Sun" inspired the group to create "pretty" songs with an emphasis on melody.[36] Kiedis describes the song as "pure Hillel inspiration".[217] Slovak also used a talk box on songs such as "Green Heaven" and "Funky Crime", in which he would sing into a tube while playing to create psychedelic effects.[218]
Frusciante's guitar playing style has evolved over the course of his career, with a technique that employs melody and emotion rather than virtuosity.[clarification needed] Although virtuoso influences can be heard throughout his career, he has said that he often minimizes this.[219] Frusciante brought a melodic and textured sound, notably on Californication, By the Way, and Stadium Arcadium (2006). This contrasts with his earlier abrasive approach in Mother's Milk,[220][221] as well as his dry, funky and more docile arrangements on Blood Sugar Sex Magik. On Californication and By the Way, Frusciante derived the technique of creating tonal texture through chord patterns from post-punk guitarist Vini Reilly of the Durutti Column, and bands such as Fugazi and the Cure.[222][223][224] On By the Way, he wanted people to be able to sing the lead guitar part, influenced by John McGeoch of Siouxsie and the Banshees, Johnny Marr of the Smiths, and Bernard Sumner of Joy Division.[225] He initially wanted this album to be composed of "these punky, rough songs", drawing inspiration from early punk artists such as the Germs and the Damned. However, this was discouraged by producer Rick Rubin, and he instead built upon Californication's melodically driven style.[226] During the recording of Stadium Arcadium (2006), he moved away from his new-wave influences and concentrated on emulating flashier guitar players such as Hendrix and Van Halen.[227] Navarro brought his own sound to the band during his tenure, with his style based on heavy metal, progressive rock and psychedelia.[228]
Flea's bass guitar style can be considered an amalgamation of funk, psychedelic, punk, and hard rock.[229] The groove-heavy melodies, played through either finger-picking or slapping, contributed to their signature style. While Flea's slap bass style was prominent in earlier albums, albums after Blood Sugar Sex Magik[229] have more melodic and funk-driven bass lines. He has also used double stops on some newer songs. Flea's bass playing has changed considerably throughout the years. When he joined Fear, his technique centered largely around traditional punk-rock bass lines.[230] However, he changed this style when the Red Hot Chili Peppers formed. He began to incorporate a "slap" bass style that drew influence largely from Bootsy Collins.[231]Blood Sugar Sex Magik saw a notable shift in style as it featured none of his signature technique but focused more on traditional and melodic roots.[232] His intellectual beliefs as a musician also shifted: "I was trying to play simply on Blood Sugar Sex Magik because I had been playing too much prior to that, so I thought, 'I've really got to chill out and play half as many notes'. When you play less, it's more exciting—there's more room for everything. If I do play something busy, it stands out, instead of the bass being a constant onslaught of notes. Space is good."[232]
Drummer Smith blends rock with funk, mixing metal and jazz to his beats. Influences include Buddy Rich and John Bonham.[233] He brought a different sound to Mother's Milk, playing tight and fast. In Blood Sugar Sex Magik, he displays greater power. He is recognized for his ghost notes, his beats and his fast right foot. MusicRadar put him in sixth place on their list of the "50 Greatest Drummers Of All Time".[234] During their early career, the Chili Peppers would often perform nude, wearing only socks over their genitals; this became a part of their stage persona, and brought them early notoriety. They retired the tradition in 2000 as they approached their forties.[235]
Lyrical themes and inspirations
Early in the group's career, Kiedis wrote comical songs filled with sexual innuendos and songs inspired by friendship and the band members' personal experiences. However, after the death of his close friend and bandmate Hillel Slovak, Kiedis's lyrics became much more introspective and personal, as exemplified by the Mother's Milk song "Knock Me Down", which was dedicated to Slovak along with the Blood Sugar Sex Magik song "My Lovely Man".
When the band recorded One Hot Minute (1995), Kiedis had turned to drugs once again, which resulted in darker lyrics.[236] He began to write about anguish, and the self-mutilating thoughts he would experience as a result of his heroin and cocaine addiction.[237][238] The album also featured tributes to close friends the band lost during the recording process including Kurt Cobain on the song "Tearjerker" and River Phoenix on the song "Transcending".
After witnessing Frusciante's recovery from his heroin addiction, Kiedis wrote many songs inspired by rebirth and the meaning of life on Californication. He was also intrigued by the life lessons that the band had learned,[239] including Kiedis's experience with meeting a young mother at the YMCA, who was attempting to battle her crack addiction while living with her infant daughter.[87]
On By the Way, Kiedis was lyrically influenced by love and his girlfriend.[240] Drugs also played an integral part in Kiedis's writings, as he had only been sober since 2000.[241] Tracks such as "This Is the Place" and "Don't Forget Me" expressed his intense dislike for narcotics and the harmful physical and emotional effects they caused him. Stadium Arcadium (2006) continued the themes of love and romance; Kiedis stated, that "love and women, pregnancies and marriages, relationship struggles—those are real and profound influences on this record. And it's great, because it wasn't just me writing about the fact that I'm in love. It was everybody in the band. We were brimming with energy based on falling in love."[242]I'm with You (2011) again featured Kiedis writing about the loss of a close friend, this time in the song "Brendan's Death Song", a tribute to club owner Brendan Mullen who gave the band some of their earliest shows and showed support to them throughout their career.
Themes within Kiedis's repertoire include love and friendship,[243][244] teenage angst, good-time aggression,[245] various sexual topics and the link between sex and music, political and social commentary (Native American issues in particular),[246] romance,[243][247][248] loneliness,[249] globalization and the cons of fame and Hollywood,[250] poverty, drugs, alcohol, dealing with death, and California.[104]
The members of Korn, who were formerly in the funk metal band L.A.P.D., have also cited them as an influence.[262] Kiedis said the band were early to combine "hardcore funk and hip-hop-style vocals", and suggested they had influenced Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and Linkin Park.[263] Smith said, "Certainly Anthony's singing style and voice lends itself to being unique, and nobody sounds like him. The cool thing about it is we can play any style of music whether it's hard and fast, or loud or quiet, slow or medium, whatever it is; rock or funk, and it still sounds like us. I'm proud of that because sometimes bands don't have that strong personality where you go, 'Oh, that's boom, right away.'"[264]
Awards and recognition
The Red Hot Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2012. The induction lineup was Kiedis, Flea, Smith, Klinghoffer, Frusciante, Slovak (represented by his brother James), Irons and Martinez; Frusciante was invited, but did not attend.[129] Navarro and Sherman were not inducted; Sherman said he felt "dishonored".[265] The band performed "By the Way", "Give It Away" and "Higher Ground", which included Irons and Martinez on drums. It was the first time Kiedis and Flea had performed with Irons in more than 20 years.[266]
In 2003, Rolling Stone released their first list of the "500 Greatest Albums of All Time", with Blood Sugar Sex Magik at #310 and Californication at #399.[267] In 2012, a revised list was released, with Californication at #401.[268] In 2020, Rolling Stone released another version of the list, with Blood Sugar Sex Magik at #186 and Californication at #286.[269]
In July 2007, the band performed on behalf of former U.S. Vice PresidentAl Gore who invited the band to perform at the London version of his Live Earth concerts which were held to raise awareness towards global warming and solving the most critical environmental issues of our time.[279] The band performed a free concert in downtown Cleveland, Ohio in April 2012 in support of President Obama's re-election campaign. The requirement for getting into the concert was agreeing to volunteer for the Obama 2012 phone bank. The event quickly met its capacity limit after being announced.[280]
In May 2013, the band performed a concert in Portland, Oregon, for the Dalai Lama as part of the Dalai Lama Environmental Summit.[281][282] In January 2015, they performed their first show of the new year for the Sean Penn & Friends Help Haiti Home fundraiser in support of the J/P Haitian Relief Organization.[283] In September 2015, the band joined more than 120 other entertainers and celebrities to formally endorse Bernie Sanders for President during the Democratic primary ahead of the 2016 presidential election.[284][285] The band performed at a fundraiser event at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach in the same month. All money was donated to A Reason To Survive (ARTS), Heartbeat Music Academy, San Diego Young Artists Music Academy, and the Silverlake Conservatory of Music.[286] In October, Kiedis and Flea hosted the annual benefit for the Silverlake Conservatory of Music. The band performed a special rare acoustic set.[287]
In February 2016, the band headlined a fundraiser concert in support of Sanders.[288] In April, they performed at a private function on behalf of Facebook and Napster founder Sean Parker for his launch of The Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.[289] Smith and Will Ferrell hosted the Red Hot Benefit Comedy + Music Show & Quinceanera in the same month. The benefit featured a performance by the Chili Peppers along with comedy acts selected by Ferrell and Funny or Die. A portion of the proceeds went to Ferrell's Cancer for College and Smith's Silverlake Conservatory of Music.[290]
In February 2018, Smith once again joined Ferrell at his One Classy Night benefit at the Moore Theater in Seattle to help raise money for Cancer for College. The event raised $300,000 in college scholarship money for students who have survived cancer.[291]
Sexual assault and sexual harassment
In his autobiography Scar Tissue, Kiedis described having sex with a 14-year-old fan who was the daughter of a Louisiana police chief, despite knowing her age. He wrote the song "Catholic School Girls Rule" about the encounter.[292] In 1986, Kiedis dated the actress Ione Skye when she was 16, below the age of consent in California.[293]
On 21 April 1989, Kiedis was convicted of sexual battery and indecent exposure after a concert at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. Kiedis exposed himself and pressed his penis to a woman's face against her wishes.[292][294] He was fined $1,000 on each charge.[295] In 1990, Kiedis said the incident was "blown way out of proportion by both the media and the prosecution", and was merely "a playful thing that happened backstage" with no intent of harm.[295]
In 1990, Flea and Smith were arrested on charges of battery in Daytona Beach, Florida, at a spring break performance for MTV. Flea was also charged with disorderly conduct and solicitation to commit an unnatural and lascivious act. Flea picked up a 20-year-old woman and threw her into the sand, while Smith forcibly removed her bathing suit and slapped her buttocks.[296] Flea allegedly demanded that she perform oral sex on him before both he and Smith were removed by security.[297] Following the arrest, the State University of New York at New Paltz canceled a Chili Peppers concert.[295] Flea and Smith pled guilty to all charges. They were each sentenced to pay a $1,000 fine, plus $300 to the State Attorney's Office for prosecution costs and $5,000 to the Volusia County Rape Crisis Center, and ordered to write letters of apology to the woman.[298] In a 1992 Rolling Stone interview, Flea said: "I wish I'd never done it, and it was a really stupid thing to do. I was out of control. But I did not assault anybody, and it was not sexual. It had nothing to do with sex."[299]
In 2016, former music executive Julie Farman alleged that two members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers pressed themselves against her and "told me about all of the ways we could make a super sexy sandwich" following a meeting at Epic Records in 1990.[300]
John Anthony Frusciante is an American musician and the guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has released 11 solo albums and 7 EPs, ranging in style from acoustic guitar to electronic music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012. Rolling Stone named Frusciante among the greatest guitarists of all time.
Blood Sugar Sex Magik is the fifth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on September 24, 1991, by Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Rick Rubin, its musical style differed notably from the band's previous album Mother's Milk (1989), reducing the use of heavy metal guitar riffs and accentuating the melodic songwriting contributions of guitarist John Frusciante. The album's subject matter incorporates sexual innuendos and references to drugs and death, as well as themes of lust and exuberance.
Anthony Kiedis is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Kiedis and his fellow band members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
Hillel Slovak was an Israeli-American musician, best known as the founding guitarist of the Los Angeles rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, with whom he recorded two albums. His guitar work was rooted in funk and hard rock, and he often experimented with other genres, including reggae and speed metal. He is considered to have been a major influence on Red Hot Chili Peppers' early sound.
One Hot Minute is the sixth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on September 12, 1995, by Warner Bros. Records. The worldwide success of the band's previous album Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991) caused guitarist John Frusciante to become uncomfortable with their popularity, eventually quitting mid-tour in 1992. Following a series of short-term replacements, the band hired guitarist Dave Navarro in 1993; it was his only studio album with the band. Recording for the album took place at the Sound Factory in Hollywood from June 1994 to February 1995. It marked the second collaboration between the band and producer Rick Rubin.
By the Way is the eighth studio album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released July 9, 2002, on Warner Bros. Records. It sold more than 286,000 copies in its first week, and peaked at number two on the Billboard 200. Singles included "By the Way", "The Zephyr Song", "Can't Stop" and "Universally Speaking". Additionally, "Dosed" was released as a promotional single in the US and Canada. The lyrical subject matter vocalist Anthony Kiedis addresses in By the Way is a divergence from previous Red Hot Chili Peppers albums, with Kiedis taking a more candid and reflective approach to his lyrics.
"Under the Bridge" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and the eleventh track on their fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). It was released in March 1992 by Warner Bros. Records. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the lyrics while reflecting on loneliness and the struggles of being clean from drugs, and almost did not share it with the band.
Californication is the seventh studio album by U.S. rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on June 8, 1999, on Warner Bros. Records. It was produced by Rick Rubin. Along with Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Californication is one of the band’s best-selling albums.
"Give It Away" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from the group's fifth studio album, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). It was released as the lead single from their album in September 1991 by Warner Bros. Records. The music was written by guitarist John Frusciante and bassist Flea during a jam session months prior to the album recording sessions. Vocalist Anthony Kiedis wrote the song's most prevalent lyrical refrain in response to an experience he shared with former girlfriend Nina Hagen regarding altruistic behavior and the value of selflessness.
Stadium Arcadium is the ninth studio album by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was a double-album, first released in Germany on May 5, 2006, and released on May 9, 2006 in the United States on Warner Bros. Records. It produced five singles: "Dani California", "Tell Me Baby", "Snow ", "Desecration Smile" and "Hump de Bump", along with the band's first fan-made music video, for the song "Charlie". In the United States, Stadium Arcadium became the band's first number-one album. Stadium Arcadium was originally scheduled to be a trilogy of albums each released six months apart, but was eventually condensed into a double album.
"Road Trippin'" is a song by American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from their seventh studio album, Californication (1999). It was released as the album's fifth and final single in November 2000.
"Hump de Bump" is a song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers from their 2006 double album, Stadium Arcadium. The song is the fifth and final single released from Stadium Arcadium and the last single the band would release with John Frusciante until "Black Summer" in 2022, as he had quit the band in 2009 before returning in 2019. Originally expected to be the fourth single for the US, Canada and Australia, the Red Hot Chili Peppers decided to make the single and video a worldwide release thanks to the positive feedback on the video, which was directed by comedian and good friend Chris Rock. The single was released in the US on April 7, 2007 while it was released May 10, 2007 in the rest of the world.
The discography of John Frusciante, who is best known as the guitarist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, consists of thirteen solo albums, two internet only release albums, seven EPs, as well as two albums with collaborators Joe Lally and Josh Klinghoffer under the name Ataxia and two EPs and three studio albums under the alias of Trickfinger. After recording Mother's Milk and Blood Sugar Sex Magik, Frusciante left the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992 when he got tired of the growing success of the band. He released his first solo album, Niandra LaDes and Usually Just a T-Shirt, in 1994 on American Recordings. His second record, Smile From the Streets You Hold, was released in 1997 and later taken off the market at his request in 1999. After returning to the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1998, Frusciante recorded Californication with the band and subsequently released his third solo album, To Record Only Water for Ten Days, in February 2001 on Warner Music Group.
Josh Adam Klinghoffer is an American musician best known for being the guitarist for the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers from 2009 to 2019, with whom he recorded two studio albums, I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), and the B-sides compilation I'm Beside You (2013). Klinghoffer took the place of his friend and frequent collaborator John Frusciante in 2009, after a period as a touring member. At age 32, Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012, making him the youngest inductee at the time.
The Stadium Arcadium World Tour was a 2006–2007 concert tour by the band Red Hot Chili Peppers in support of their ninth studio album, Stadium Arcadium. The band started out with a pre-tour promotional leg of dates around the world while the world tour was composed of six legs, three in Europe, one in Australia, New Zealand and Asia, and the other two in the US and Canada.
The Californication Tour was a worldwide concert tour by Red Hot Chili Peppers to support their seventh studio album Californication which saw the return of guitarist John Frusciante who rejoined the band in 1998 after quitting six years earlier.
Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea, is an Australian/American musician and actor. He is a founding member and bassist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and, along with the vocalist Anthony Kiedis, appears on every one of their albums.
I'm with You is the tenth studio album by the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album was released by Warner Bros. Records on August 26, 2011, in Europe and on August 29, 2011, in the United States. The album made its debut at number one in 18 countries including the United Kingdom, while reaching number two in the United States and Canada.
1 2 3 4 "With their unique fusion of funk with hard rock and their shirtless macho posturing, the Chili Peppers laid the groundwork for today's nu-metal and rap metal." 08/2002 — Guitar World
↑ Simpson, Dave (February 14, 2003). "It's great to go straight". The Guardian. UK. Archived from the original on October 1, 2013. Retrieved August 15, 2008.
↑ "Saunalahti.fi" setlists. "Saunalahti.fi" (Red Hot Chili Peppers'site). Retrieved July 2, 2016. Setlist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' concert performing "Christine" (a Siouxsie and the Banshees cover) on August 19, 2001, V2001 Hylands Park Chelmsford, Essex UK.
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