It's mid-week, and you know the drill: it's time for another edition of Way Back Wednesday. I've always been huge fans of Anthony Kiedis and Michael "Flea" Balzary. When you ask most music lovers to name their top 20 bands, more often than not the Red Hot Chili Peppers make the cut. They remain a band I greatly respect and I still look forward to hearing new material from the Chili Peppers. For me, it all started in 1991 with Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Even though it was the their fifth LP, the band was only really getting started in earnest.
Background: The Chili Peppers' long journey started in 1983. Frontman Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Jack Irons and guitarist Hillel Slovak were high-school classmates and the original members. The line-up has fluctuated much in the years since the release of their 1984 self-titled debut, sometimes from album to the next. It's actually been quite confusing to keep up with. The two members that have remained consistent are Kiedis and Flea. The Chili Peppers musical style is metal-flecked rock with heavy doses of funk and lighter shades of rap and punk. Over the years, the Chili Peppers have mellowed a bit, and so has their sound, leaning more to hooky pop-sensible alt rock. I'm not hating; I actually enjoy it quite a bit. The group has begun recording an 11th LP, and this time around, they called on fine eclectic producer Danger Mouse to help them craft the perfect album. I'm actually quite excited to hear it, and find out how their sound will progress.
Notable Albums: It didn't take long for the Chili Peppers to catch a break, and score a record deal. In the fall of 1983, they inked a seven-album deal with EMI and Enigma Records, and dropped Red Hot Chili Peppers less than a year later. Their debut was played regularly on college radio around the U.S. and helped grow their fanbase. Sophomore record Freaky Styley came in 1985. Fun fact: the album was produced by legendary P-Funk leader George Clinton, and his influence on their hard funky grooves is clear in Freaky Styley. It's no secret the Chili Peppers struggled with substance abuse, especially heroin, and the problems started during the recording of Freaky Styley.
By the time they released their fourth record, Mother's Milk, the Chili Peppers were rising rock stars with some minor international success. Then came along music producer Rick Rubin, who manned the boards for Blood, Sex, Sugar, Magik, the band's groundbreaking fifth album. To this day, B.S.S.M. is regarded by many as the Chili Peppers' best work to date. Unfortunately for supremely talented guitarist John Frusciante, the success spurred his departure, and right at their highest point. Enter Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro. Dave would only stick around for the recording of one album, One Hot Minute. In the meantime, Flea stayed in contact with Frusciante, who'd fallen into a state of depression and heroin addiction. With the help and support from Flea, he entered a rehab facility. During that time, the band almost split up. Flea claimed the only way they could imagine making new music is if Frusciante returned to the fold. Eventually, the Peppers former guitarist regained his footing and rejoined his bandmates in 1998, just in time to record their most successful album to date. Rick Rubin was also invited back to produce and seventh LP Californication was released in 1999. The album would eventually sell more than 15 million copies worldwide.
Discography, 1984-2000:Red Hot Chili Peppers, 1984; Freaky Styley, 1985; The Uplift Mofo Party Plan, 1987; Mother’s Milk, 1989; Blood Sugar Sex Magik, 1991; Out in L.A., 1994; One Hot Minute, 1995; Californication, 1999.
Facts/Stats: Red Hot Chili Peppers have received a total of 16 awards and 65 nominations world-wide throughout their illustrious career. These include a total seven Grammy wins. Chili Peppers have also become one of the best-selling bands of all time, with more than 80 million records moved worldwide. In 2012, the group was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Socks on Cocks - The band was famous for performing concerts wearing nothing but tube socks on their junk. Acting: Anthony Kedis and Flea have appeared in several films over the years, including Point Break, The Big Lebowski, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, and Less Than Zero.
Current members:
Anthony Kiedis – lead vocals (1983–present)
Josh Klinghoffer – guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–present, touring member 2007)
Flea – bass, piano, trumpet, backing vocals (1983–present)
Chad Smith – drums, percussion (1988–present)
Former members:
Hillel Slovak – guitar, backing vocals (1983, 1985–1988; died 1988)
Jack Sherman – guitar, backing vocals (1983–1984)
DeWayne McKnight – guitar, backing vocals (1988)
John Frusciante – guitar, backing vocals (1988–1992, 1998–2009)
Arik Marshall – guitar, backing vocals (1992–1993)
Jesse Tobias – guitar, backing vocals (1993)
Dave Navarro – guitar, backing vocals (1993–1998)
Jack Irons – drums, percussion (1983, 1986–1988)
Cliff Martinez – drums, percussion (1983–1986)
D.H. Peligro – drums, percussion (1988)
"Catholic School Girls Rule"
"Fight Like A Brave"
"Knock Me Down"
"Give It Away"
"Under The Bridge"
"My Friends"
"Scar Tissue"
"Around The World"
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Where does Kiedis and crew rank in your music collection? What's your opinion on Danger Mouse producing the new album, yay or nay?