The Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of the most successful rock bands of the 1990s and early aughts, and they continue to revel in their success today. Though they may not be as relevant as they once were, RHCP are still going strong. However, despite the fact that the Red Hot Chili Peppers have spent a considerable amount of time in the spotlight and under the scrutiny of the public eye, there are still some things that many people don’t know. With that in mind, here PPcorn present our list of 13 facts you probably didn’t know about the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Check out part one below, and stay tuned for part two, coming soon!
Number Thirteen: Flea Is Quite the Actor
Flea, also known as Michael Peter Balzary, has made appearances in Back To The Future 2, Fear And Loathing In Las Vegas and Suburbia. Impressive!
Number Twelve: Red Hot Chili Peppers Are Featured on The Simpsons
The entire band is featured on an episode of The Simpsons titled “Krusty Gets Canceled.” In the episode, the band plays “Give It Away” dressed only in their underwear.
Number Eleven: One of Their Drummers Is Now a Film Composer
Ex-RHCP drummer Cliff Martinez is now a well-recognized film composer. He has composed scores for movies such as Traffic and Solaris, among others.
Number Ten: They Wrote Several Tributes to Hillel Slovak
Original guitarist and founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers Hillel Slovak has several songs dedicated to him. Tributes to Slovak include “Knock Me Down,” “My Lovely Man,” and “Dosed.”
Number Nine: They Are Lakers Fans
Frontman Anthony Kiedis, Flea, and John Frusciante are devout fans of the Los Angeles Lakers. Who knew?
Number Eight: Chad Smith Is Very Charitable
Drummer Chad Smith is very charitable! He has contributed to charities such as Surfer’s Healing, MusiCares, and several Children’s Hospitals in the United States.
Number Seven: Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Is Not Chad Smith’s Only Gig
In fact, Smith also plays in a band called Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats. The band plays primarily instrumental funk rock.
Number Six: “Desecration Smile” Is an Extremely Personal Song
In fact, the song is about Anthony Kiedis’ relationship with his wife. The song was released in 2006 and is part of their album titled Stadium Arcadium.
Number Five: Red Hot Chili Peppers Had a Special Cameo on ‘Warlocks’
Soul musician Billy Preston played clavinet for the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ song titled “Warlocks.” Preston may be dead now, but the song certainly lives on.
Number Four: Chad Smith Worked With Other Bands
Though Smith is the drummer for primarily the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he was worked with many other famous and talented artists. Including Glenn Hughes, John Fogerty, the Dixie Chicks, Kid Rock, Paul Oakenfold, and George Clinton.
Number Three: “Venice Queen” Is About a Drug Counselor
Anthony Kiedis wrote the song titled “Venice Queen” about a drug counselor named Gloria Scott. Scott ended up dying of cancer.
Number Two: Red Hot Chili Peppers Have a History With the Law
In 1990, during a taping of MTV’s Spring Break in Florida, both Flea and Chad Smith were accused and charged with battery, solicitation, and disorderly conduct. They were given those charges after they jumped off of the stage, grabbed a woman and began spanking her.
Number One: “Tearjerker” Was About Kurt Cobain
Though many people assume that their song titled “Tearjerker” is about a girl or past paramour. In reality, the song is about Kurt Cobain.