Flea (musician)

2016 Red Hot Chili Peppers - Michael Flea Balzary (cropped)

Flea (born Michael Peter Balzary; October 16, 1962) is an Australian-American musician and actor. He is best known as the bassist and founding member of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Flea is widely regarded as one of the greatest bassists of all time, known for his slap-bass technique and energetic stage presence.

Early Life

Flea was born in Melbourne, Australia, and moved to the United States at a young age. He grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he developed a passion for music. Flea initially played the trumpet before switching to the bass guitar.

Career

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Flea co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1983 with Anthony Kiedis, Hillel Slovak, and Jack Irons. The band gained popularity with their unique blend of funk, punk rock, and psychedelic rock. Flea's innovative bass playing became a defining element of the band's sound.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers achieved mainstream success with albums such as Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), Californication (1999), and Stadium Arcadium (2006). Flea's contributions to the band have earned him numerous awards and accolades.

Other Musical Projects

In addition to his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea has collaborated with various artists and bands. He has played with Jane's Addiction, The Mars Volta, and Atoms for Peace, among others. Flea has also released solo music and contributed to film scores.

Acting Career

Flea has appeared in several films and television shows. His acting credits include roles in Back to the Future Part II (1989), The Big Lebowski (1998), and Baby Driver (2017). He has also voiced characters in animated series such as The Wild Thornberrys.

Personal Life

Flea is an advocate for various social and environmental causes. He founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-profit organization that provides music education to underprivileged children. Flea is also known for his love of basketball and is a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Legacy

Flea's influence on the world of music is profound. He has inspired countless bassists with his innovative techniques and energetic performances. Flea's work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers has left an indelible mark on the music industry, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the world of rock music.

Discography

• Red Hot Chili Peppers (1984)
• Freaky Styley (1985)
• The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987)
• Mother's Milk (1989)
• Blood Sugar Sex 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)

Filmography

• Suburbia (1983)
• Back to the Future Part II (1989)
• My Own Private Idaho (1991)
• The Big Lebowski (1998)
• Baby Driver (2017)

See Also

• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Anthony Kiedis
• John Frusciante
• Chad Smith
• Funk rock
• Slap bass