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Arik Marshall
Arik Marshall.jpg
Arik Marshall performing live
Background information
Birth name Arik Ben Marshall
Born (1967-02-13) February 13, 1967 (age 58)
Los Angeles, United States
Occupation(s) Musician, singer-songwriter, author, poet
Instruments Guitar
Associated acts Red Hot Chili Peppers, Macy Gray

Arik Ben Marshall (born February 13, 1967) is an American musician. He is a talented guitarist, singer, songwriter, poet, and author. Many people know him for being a member of the famous band Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992 and 1993.

Early Life and Music Journey

Arik Ben Marshall was born on February 13, 1967. He is the third of five children. His father was African-American, and his mother was Jewish. Arik grew up and went to school in South Central Los Angeles. He graduated from Mid City Alternative Magnet School.

When he was in 8th grade, Arik broke his leg. This happened during a football game with his friends. He spent much of that year recovering at home. He was first at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles. Later, he was at home in a full body cast for several months. Arik later said this time helped him prepare for music. Being still helped calm his active personality. It gave him the focus and patience he needed to become a musician.

Arik started playing guitar when he was a teenager. He was inspired by many musicians. Some of his influences included P-Funk, Jimi Hendrix, and Prince. He also liked Stevie Ray Vaughan, Brian Setzer of the Stray Cats, and Django Reinhardt. Other inspirations were Steven Hufsteter, Matthew Ashman from Bow Wow Wow, the Clash, Michael Jackson, the Talking Heads, Björk, and the Isley Brothers.

After high school, Arik worked briefly as a messenger. He delivered things for law firms in downtown Los Angeles. He has also taught guitar. He taught at Los Angeles City College and The Musician's Institute.

Starting a Music Career

Arik Marshall played music with many artists in Los Angeles. He began working as a session musician. This means he played on recordings for other artists. He worked with musicians like Tone Loc, Etta James, and Sting.

In 1988, Arik and his brother Lonnie Marshall formed a band. They called their band Marshall Law. They signed a deal with Island Records. They recorded a demo for the company. The band only released two songs on a compilation album. After that, the band broke up. Lonnie then formed his own band called Weapon of Choice. Arik kept playing music in Los Angeles. He briefly led his own band. Then, he joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992. Marshall Law later reunited in 2006. They released an album called another X-cuse.

Time with Red Hot Chili Peppers

Arik Marshall joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1992. He became their lead guitarist. He replaced John Frusciante, who left the band. John quit during the band's worldwide Blood Sugar ... Magik Tour. Arik toured a lot with the band. He played at the Lollapalooza festival that year.

The band's singer, Anthony Kiedis, praised Arik. He said Arik was "a quick study." He also said Arik never let them down during shows. However, the band felt Arik was not the best fit for writing songs. This led to his departure from the band.

Appearances in Movies and TV

Arik Marshall has appeared on television shows. He was on Saturday Night Live and The Rosie O'Donnell Show with Macy Gray. He also performed at big music events. He played at the 1992 MTV Video Music Awards. He also performed at the 1993 Grammy Awards with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

He appeared on The Simpsons episode "Krusty Gets Kancelled." He was part of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' guest appearance.

In 2002, he had a small role in the Spider-Man movie. He appeared with Macy Gray.

Arik also acted in a student film called Peace & Quiet. He wrote the music for it too. This film won an Academy Award. In 2007, Arik said about the film, "I played a mulatto punk-rocker who destroys this old guys suburban home...right in front of him! I wore a Mohawk and a Funkadelic t-shirt..."

In 2009, Arik appeared in the movie The Hangover. He played the guitarist in the wedding scene.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Arik Marshall para niños

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