Red Hot Chili Peppers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Red Hot Chili Peppers
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The band playing live in London in 2022. From left: Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith, John Frusciante
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| Also known as | Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem (1982–1983) |
| Origin | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
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| Years active | 1982–present |
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The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band. They formed in Los Angeles in 1982. The band members are Anthony Kiedis (singer), Flea (bassist), Chad Smith (drummer), and John Frusciante (guitarist). Their music mixes alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, and hip hop.
They have sold over 120 million records worldwide. This makes them one of the top-selling bands of all time. They hold records for many number-one songs on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. The band has won six Grammy Awards. They joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2022, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The band started with Kiedis, Flea, guitarist Hillel Slovak, and drummer Jack Irons. Slovak and Irons did not play on their first album in 1984. Instead, Jack Sherman and Cliff Martinez played guitar and drums. Slovak rejoined for their second album, Freaky Styley (1985). Irons came back for their third album, The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987). Irons left after Slovak died in June 1988.
With new members Frusciante and Smith, they recorded Mother's Milk (1989). Their first big success was Blood Sugar * Magik (1991). Frusciante left in 1992 because he was not comfortable with their new fame. After a few temporary guitarists, Dave Navarro joined. He played on their sixth album, One Hot Minute (1995). This album was popular but not as much as Blood Sugar * Magik.
In 1998, Frusciante rejoined after Navarro left. Their seventh album, Californication (1999), became their biggest hit. It sold 16 million copies. By the Way (2002) and Stadium Arcadium (2006) were also very 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 music. Josh Klinghoffer replaced him. Klinghoffer played on I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016). Frusciante rejoined the band in 2019. They released their 12th and 13th albums, Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen, in 2022.
Contents
- Band History
- Early Years (1982–1984)
- Growing Popularity and Changes (1985–1988)
- New Members: Frusciante and Smith (1988–1989)
- Blood Sugar *** Magik and First Departure of Frusciante (1990–1993)
- One Hot Minute with Dave Navarro (1994–1997)
- Frusciante Returns and Californication (1998–2001)
- By the Way (2001–2004)
- Stadium Arcadium (2005–2007)
- Klinghoffer Replaces Frusciante (2008–2009)
- I'm with You (2011–2014)
- The Getaway (2015–2018)
- Frusciante Returns Again (2019–2021)
- Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen (2022–present)
- Music Style
- Band's Impact
- Public Activities
- Band Members
- Awards and Nominations
- Discography
- Tours
- See also
Band History
Early Years (1982–1984)
The Red Hot Chili Peppers started in Los Angeles in 1982. The original members were singer Anthony Kiedis, guitarist Hillel Slovak, bassist Flea, and drummer Jack Irons. They were all classmates at Fairfax High School. Their first show was on December 16, 1982, at the Grandia Room club. About 30 people watched them play.
Slovak and Irons were also in another band called What Is This?. Because of this, they left the Red Hot Chili Peppers in December 1983. Flea and Kiedis then found drummer Cliff Martinez and guitarist Jack Sherman.
The band released their first album, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, in August 1984. It sold 300,000 copies. The band did not like how the album sounded. They felt it was too polished. They went on a very busy tour, playing 60 shows in 64 days. Sherman was fired in February 1985. Slovak, who had left What Is This?, rejoined the band.
Growing Popularity and Changes (1985–1988)
Their second album, Freaky Styley (1985), was produced by funk musician George Clinton. This album added more punk and funk sounds. It did not become a big hit. But the band was happy with it. Kiedis said they felt they were "on the road to enormity." The band also appeared in the 1986 films Thrashin' and Tough Guys.
In early 1986, Martinez was fired because his "heart was no longer in the band." Irons rejoined, bringing all four original members back together. For their third album, they hired Michael Beinhorn as producer. The songs came together quickly. They mixed the funk of Freaky Styley with a harder punk rock style.
The third album, The Uplift Mofo Party Plan, came out in September 1987. It reached No. 148 on the Billboard 200 chart. This was a big improvement. The band toured North America to promote the album. Slovak died on June 25, 1988, after the tour ended. Irons was very sad about this and left the band. He later joined Pearl Jam in 1994.
New Members: Frusciante and Smith (1988–1989)
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DeWayne "Blackbyrd" McKnight joined as guitarist. D. H. Peligro joined as drummer. McKnight was fired after three shows because he did not fit well with the band.
Peligro introduced Kiedis and Flea to a young guitarist named John Frusciante. Frusciante was a big fan of the Chili Peppers. He brought a darker, more melodic rock style to the band. Frusciante played his first show with them in September 1988. In November, Kiedis and Flea fired Peligro. After auditions, they hired drummer Chad Smith in December 1988. Smith has been with the band ever since. He said, "We started playing, and right away we just hit it off musically."
The band started working on their fourth album in 1989. The recording went smoothly. However, the producer wanted a hit song, which made things tense. The album, Mother's Milk, was released on August 16, 1989. It reached number 52 on the U.S. Billboard 200. It was their first album to sell over 500,000 copies.
Blood Sugar *** Magik and First Departure of Frusciante (1990–1993)
In 1990, the Chili Peppers signed with Warner Bros. Records. They hired producer Rick Rubin. Rubin had turned them down before, but now felt they were ready. He would produce five more of their albums. They recorded in a house called the Mansion. It was a studio where magician Harry Houdini once lived.
In September 1991, Blood Sugar *** Magik was released. "Give It Away" was the first single. It became their first number-one song on the Modern Rock chart. The song "Under the Bridge" became a huge hit. It reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Blood Sugar *** Magik sold over 12 million copies. It was listed among Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The band toured with popular bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam.
Frusciante struggled with fame. He left the band suddenly in May 1992 after a show in Tokyo. The Chili Peppers then tried out new guitarists. Arik Marshall was hired and played with them at the Lollapalooza festival in 1992. Marshall also appeared in music videos and on The Simpsons. In September 1992, they won three MTV Video Music Awards. In February 1993, "Give It Away" won a Grammy Award for "Best Hard Rock Performance With Vocal."
Marshall was later dismissed. They held more auditions. Jesse Tobias was briefly hired but then left. Dave Navarro then said he was ready to join. In August 1993, the song "Soul to Squeeze" was released for the film Coneheads. It topped the Billboard US Modern Rock chart.
Navarro first played with the band at Woodstock '94. The band's relationship with Navarro became difficult. Navarro said he did not like funk music.
Without Frusciante, writing songs was much slower. Kiedis said Frusciante was special at songwriting. Flea took a bigger role and wrote and sang lead on his song, "Pea."
One Hot Minute was released in September 1995. It sounded different from their past music. Navarro's guitar work added heavy metal riffs. The band described the album as darker and sadder. Kiedis's lyrics were about broken relationships and losing loved ones. The album sold eight million copies worldwide.
The band toured for One Hot Minute in 1995. The US tour was delayed after Smith broke his wrist. In 1997, some shows were canceled due to band problems and injuries. In April 1998, the Chili Peppers announced that Navarro had left. Kiedis said it was a mutual decision.
Frusciante Returns and Californication (1998–2001)
Without a guitarist, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were close to breaking up. In April 1998, Flea asked Frusciante to rejoin. Frusciante was very happy and agreed.
In June 1999, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released Californication. It was their seventh album. It sold over 16 million copies, becoming their most successful album. Californication had fewer rap songs. It used more melodic guitar, vocals, and bass. It produced three number-one modern rock hits: "Scar Tissue", "Otherside", and "Californication". Critics praised the album, especially Frusciante's return and Kiedis's improved vocals. It was listed among Rolling Stone magazine's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.
The band went on a two-year world tour for Californication. They released their first concert DVD, Off the Map (2001). In July 1999, they played the closing show at Woodstock 1999. During their performance, a small fire grew into violence. The band was blamed by some for causing the problems. Kiedis wrote that the situation was no longer about peace and love.
By the Way (2001–2004)
The Chili Peppers started writing their next album in early 2001. Frusciante and Kiedis worked closely together. Kiedis said writing By the Way was a different experience. He felt John was "brimming with confidence." Flea found the recording difficult. He felt his role was smaller. He even thought about leaving the band. But they worked through their problems.
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By the Way was released in July 2002. It had four singles: "By the Way", "The Zephyr Song", "Can't Stop", and "Universally Speaking". This album was more calm. It focused on melodic ballads instead of rap and funk. It had more layered sounds, keyboards, and string arrangements. The album was followed by an eighteen-month world tour. They released a concert DVD, Live at Slane Castle, and their first live album, Red Hot Chili Peppers Live in Hyde Park. In November 2003, they released their Greatest Hits album. It included new songs "Fortune Faded" and "Save the Population".
Stadium Arcadium (2005–2007)
In 2006, the Chili Peppers released their ninth album, Stadium Arcadium. It was a double album with 28 songs. It was their first album to reach number one on the US charts. It also debuted at number one in the UK and 25 other countries. Stadium Arcadium sold over seven million copies. It won five Grammys, including Best Rock Album.
The first single, "Dani California", was their fastest-selling single. It topped the Modern Rock chart in the U.S. "Tell Me Baby" also topped the charts in 2006. "Snow (Hey Oh)" was released in late 2006. It became their eleventh number-one single. This was the first time three songs in a row by the band reached number one.
The Stadium Arcadium World Tour began in 2006. Frusciante's friend Josh Klinghoffer joined the touring band. He played guitar, sang backup, and played keyboards.
Klinghoffer Replaces Frusciante (2008–2009)
After the Stadium Arcadium tour, the Chili Peppers took a long break. Kiedis said they were tired from years of constant work. During this time, they recorded one song with George Clinton.
Kiedis spent time with his son. Flea took music theory classes. He also joined the band Atoms for Peace. Frusciante released his own album. Smith worked with other musicians in bands like Chickenfoot.
In July 2009, Frusciante left the Chili Peppers again. He announced it in December. Frusciante said there were no hard feelings. He wanted to focus on his solo music. In October 2009, the Chili Peppers started writing their tenth album. Klinghoffer replaced Frusciante. In February 2010, Klinghoffer was officially confirmed as the new guitarist.
I'm with You (2011–2014)
Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded their tenth album, I'm with You, from September 2010 to March 2011. They decided to make it a 14-track album. I'm with You was released in the US in August 2011. It topped the charts in 18 countries. "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" became their 12th number-one single.
In July 2011, the Chili Peppers played their first shows since 2007. They started a promotional tour in August 2011 in Asia. The I'm with You World Tour ran from September 2011 to 2013. The North American part was delayed because Kiedis needed foot surgery. After this tour, the band went on another small tour. This included their first shows in Alaska and other countries.
The Chili Peppers were nominated for several awards. I'm with You was nominated for a 2012 Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. In April 2012, the Chili Peppers joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In August 2012, the band released a series of singles. These were later put together on the I'm Beside You LP.
In February 2014, the Chili Peppers performed with Bruno Mars at the Super Bowl XLVIII half-time show. Over 115 million people watched. Flea explained that the NFL required bands to pre-record music for technical reasons. He said Kiedis's vocals were live. The band started another tour in May 2013, which ended in June 2014.
The Getaway (2015–2018)
The Chili Peppers released Fandemonium in November 2014. It was a book about their fans. In December, they started working on their eleventh album. This was their first album without producer Rick Rubin since 1989. Danger Mouse produced it. Flea broke his arm while skiing, which delayed recording. "Dark Necessities" was the first single from the album.
Their eleventh album, The Getaway, was released in June. Kiedis said the songs were inspired by a relationship that ended. "Dark Necessities" became the band's 25th top-ten single on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. This is a record they hold. The Getaway debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The band began the Getaway World Tour in September. Jack Irons, the band's original drummer, was an opening act. The tour ended in October 2017. It had 151 shows. In December, the band played a benefit concert. Money raised went to help people in need in the Bay Area.
Frusciante Returns Again (2019–2021)
The recording of the next Chili Peppers album was delayed by the Woolsey Fire. The band played a benefit show for fire victims in January 2019. In February, they performed with rapper Post Malone at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards. They also appeared in Malone's music video for "Wow".
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In February 2019, the Chili Peppers toured Australia. On March 15, they performed in Egypt at the Pyramids of Giza. This performance was livestreamed.
On December 15, 2019, the Chili Peppers announced that Klinghoffer had left. Frusciante had rejoined the band after 10 years. They said Klinghoffer was "a beautiful musician." Klinghoffer said there was no bad feeling. He felt it was "absolutely John's place to be in that band." On November 2, the Chili Peppers played their last show with Klinghoffer.
Shows scheduled for May 2020 were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In August, former Chili Peppers guitarist Jack Sherman died at age 64. The band thanked him for his contributions.
On April 24, 2021, the Chili Peppers announced new management. On March 31, they received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen (2022–present)
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The 12th Red Hot Chili Peppers album, Unlimited Love, was released on April 1, 2022. Rubin produced it. It debuted at number one in ten countries. This was their first US number-one album since Stadium Arcadium. It was promoted with singles "Black Summer" and "These Are the Ways".
On the release day, Sirius XM launched a Red Hot Chili Peppers channel. On June 4, the band began their Global Stadium Tour. Their 13th album, Return of the Dream Canteen, was released on October 14. It was recorded at the same time as Unlimited Love. The first single was "Tippa My Tongue". The band's former drummer D.H. Peligro died on October 28.
Chad Smith said in April 2024 that the band will take a break after their 2024 tour. They plan to start writing new music for their next album.
Music Style
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' music is known as funk rock, alternative rock, funk metal, and rap rock. They are also influenced by hard and punk rock. Flea said in 2006 that they never fully fit into one style. They were always different from other bands.
The band's influences include Parliament-Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Queen, and Led Zeppelin.
Kiedis uses different vocal styles. Early on, he often spoke his verses and rapped. He also sang traditional vocals. As the band grew, they used less rapping. On Californication (1999), they reduced rap verses. On By the Way (2002), only two songs had rap verses. Kiedis's singing style has improved over time with coaching.
Original guitarist Slovak's style was based on blues and funk. He was influenced by hard-rock artists like Hendrix and Led Zeppelin. His playing was often improvised, like in funk music. He played with a lot of force. Kiedis noticed that Slovak's playing became more smooth and "sultry" over time. On The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987), Slovak tried out reggae and speed metal. His guitar riffs often started the band's songs. He also used a talk box on some songs.
Frusciante's guitar playing focuses on melody and emotion. He has said he tries to keep it simple. On Californication, By the Way, and Stadium Arcadium (2006), he brought a melodic and textured sound. This was different from his earlier, more aggressive style. On By the Way, he wanted the lead guitar part to be easy to sing along to. He was influenced by other guitarists like John McGeoch and Johnny Marr. Navarro brought a different sound to the band. His style was based on heavy metal and progressive rock.
Flea's bass guitar style mixes funk, punk, and hard rock. His groovy melodies, played by finger-picking or slapping, are part of their unique sound. While his slap bass was big in earlier albums, later albums have more melodic bass lines. Flea's bass playing has changed a lot. He started with punk-rock bass lines. Then he added a "slap" style, inspired by Bootsy Collins. On Blood Sugar *** Magik, he played fewer notes. He said, "When you play less, it's more exciting—there's more room for everything."
Drummer Smith combines rock with funk. He mixes metal and jazz into his beats. He is influenced by drummers like Buddy Rich and John Bonham. He brought a tight and fast sound to Mother's Milk. In Blood Sugar *** Magik, he showed even more power. He is known for his ghost notes and fast drumming. MusicRadar ranked him among the "50 Greatest Drummers Of All Time."
Song Meanings and Writing
Early in their career, Kiedis wrote funny songs. He also wrote about friendship and the band's experiences. After Slovak died, Kiedis's lyrics became more personal. For example, "Knock Me Down" on Mother's Milk was for Slovak.
Kiedis wrote many songs about new beginnings on Californication. He was also interested in life lessons the band learned.
On By the Way, Kiedis's lyrics were about love and his girlfriend. Stadium Arcadium (2006) also focused on love and romance. Kiedis said, "love and women, pregnancies and marriages, relationship struggles—those are real and profound influences on this record." I'm with You (2011) featured Kiedis writing about losing a close friend. The song "Brendan's Death Song" honored club owner Brendan Mullen. Mullen gave the band some of their first shows.
Kiedis's songs often cover themes like love, friendship, teenage feelings, and good-time energy. He also writes about politics, social issues, loneliness, and the downsides of fame.
Band's Impact
Influence on Music
The Red Hot Chili Peppers mix of hard rock, funk, and hip hop has influenced many music styles. These include funk metal, rap metal, rap rock, and nu metal.
AllMusic said that in 1992, many funk-metal bands followed the Chili Peppers' lead. Bands like Incubus, Rage Against the Machine, and System of a Down have said the Red Hot Chili Peppers influenced them.
Kiedis said the band was one of the first to combine "hardcore funk and hip-hop-style vocals." He suggested they influenced bands like Limp Bizkit and Linkin Park. Smith said the band has a strong personality. He said, "We can play any style of music... and it still sounds like us."
Awards and Recognition
The Red Hot Chili Peppers joined the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April 2012. The inducted members included Kiedis, Flea, Smith, Klinghoffer, Frusciante, Slovak (represented by his brother), Irons, and Martinez. Frusciante was invited but did not go. The band performed "By the Way," "Give It Away," and "Higher Ground." Irons and Martinez played drums on "Higher Ground." It was the first time Kiedis and Flea played with Irons in over 20 years.
In 2003, Rolling Stone magazine listed Blood Sugar * Magik and Californication among their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. In 2020, they updated the list. Blood Sugar * Magik was at #186 and Californication at #286.
The band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on March 31, 2022. George Clinton, Woody Harrelson, and Bob Forrest helped unveil the star.
On August 28, 2022, the band received the Global Icon Award at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. Cheech & Chong presented the award to them.
Public Activities
Helping Others
In 1990, the Chili Peppers appeared in ads for Rock the Vote. This group helps young people vote in US elections.
The band played at the Tibetan Freedom Concert in June 1996 in San Francisco. They also played at the June 1998 concert in Washington, D.C.. These concerts supported Tibetan independence.
In September 2005, the band performed "Under the Bridge" at the ReAct Now: Music & Relief benefit. This event raised money for victims of Hurricane Katrina.
In July 2007, the band played at the London Live Earth concert. This concert was organized by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore. It aimed to raise awareness about global warming. The band performed a free concert in Cleveland, Ohio, in April 2012. This was to support President Obama's re-election campaign.
In May 2013, the band played a concert for the Dalai Lama in Portland, Oregon. This was part of the Dalai Lama Environmental Summit. In January 2015, they played for the Sean Penn & Friends Help Haiti Home fundraiser. This supported the J/P Haitian Relief Organization. The band also supported Bernie Sanders in the 2016 presidential election.
In February 2016, the band played a fundraiser concert for Sanders. In April, they performed for Facebook and Napster founder Sean Parker. This was for his new cancer research institute. Smith and Will Ferrell hosted a benefit show. It featured the Chili Peppers and comedy acts. Money went to Ferrell's Cancer for College and Smith's Silverlake Conservatory of Music.
In February 2018, Smith joined Ferrell again for a benefit in Seattle. It raised money for college scholarships for cancer survivors.
Band Members
- Current Members
- Anthony Kiedis – lead vocals (1982–present)
- Flea (Michael Balzary) – bass, backing vocals (1982–present), trumpet (1988–present), keyboards (1991, 2011–present)
- Chad Smith – drums, percussion (1988–present)
- John Frusciante – guitars, backing vocals (1988–1992, 1998–2009, 2019–present), keyboards (1998–2009, 2019–present)
- Former Members
- Hillel Slovak – guitars, backing vocals (1982–1983, 1985–1988)
- Jack Irons – drums, backing vocals (1982–1983, 1986–1988)
- Cliff Martinez – drums (1983–1986)
- Jack Sherman – guitars, backing vocals (1983–1984)
- DeWayne McKnight – guitars, backing vocals (1988)
- D. H. Peligro (Darren Henley) – drums (1988)
- Arik Marshall – guitars, backing vocals (1992–1993)
- Jesse Tobias – guitars, backing vocals (1993)
- Dave Navarro – guitars, backing vocals (1993–1998)
- Josh Klinghoffer – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–2019; touring 2007)
Awards and Nominations
Discography
- The Red Hot Chili Peppers (1984)
- Freaky Styley (1985)
- The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987)
- Mother's Milk (1989)
- Blood Sugar *** Magik (1991)
- One Hot Minute (1995)
- Californication (1999)
- By the Way (2002)
- Stadium Arcadium (2006)
- I'm with You (2011)
- The Getaway (2016)
- Unlimited Love (2022)
- Return of the Dream Canteen (2022)
Tours
- Red Hot Chili Peppers 1982–1983 Tour
- Red Hot Chili Peppers 1984 Tour
- Freaky Styley Tour (1985–1986)
- The Uplift Mofo Party Tour (1987–1988)
- Tour (1988)
- Mother's Milk Tour (1989–1990)
- Blood Sugar *** Magik Tour (1991–1993)
- Tour de La Sensitive (1994)
- One Hot Minute Tour (1995–1997)
- Californication Tour (1999–2000)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers 2001 Tour
- By the Way World Tour (2002–2003)
- Roll on the Red Tour (2004)
- Stadium Arcadium World Tour (2006–2007)
- I'm with You World Tour (2011–2013)
- Red Hot Chili Peppers 2013–2014 Tour
- The Getaway World Tour (2016–2017)
- Global Stadium Tour (2022–2024)
See also
In Spanish: Red Hot Chili Peppers para niños
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. alternative rock chart
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Mainstream Rock chart
- List of best-selling music artists
- List of funk metal and funk rock bands
