Red Hot Chili Peppers
Californian funk rock
Formation and early years
Red Hot Chili Peppers was formed in Los Angeles in 1983 by Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass), Hillel Slovak (guitar), and Jack Irons (drums). The band fused funk, punk, rock, and rap into a groundbreaking new style.
Blood Sugar and Californication
After the death of Hillel Slovak in 1988, John Frusciante joined the band. Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), produced by Rick Rubin, became a turning point: “Under the Bridge” and “Give It Away” became worldwide hits.
After a difficult period, Californication (1999) marked a triumphant comeback. By the Way (2002) and Stadium Arcadium (2006) confirmed their status as the biggest alternative rock band in the world.
Flea (born Michael Balzary) is a complete musician: a classically trained trumpeter, actor (appearing in Back to the Future Part II and The Big Lebowski), and a bassist whose aggressive yet melodic slap technique redefined the role of the bass in rock music. His partnership with Frusciante is considered one of the most creative guitar-bass duos in rock history.
Legacy
The RHCP have sold more than 120 million albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Flea is widely regarded as one of the greatest bassists in rock history.
Iconic guitars
The band’s guitar sound is inseparable from John Frusciante’s Fender Stratocasters, as well as Flea’s Modulus and Fender Jazz Bass instruments.
See the guitars in our shop:
