Red Hot Chili Peppers

The Red Hot Chili Peppers formed in Los Angeles in 1982 by Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass), Hillel Slovak (guitar), and Jack Irons (drums). After Slovak and Irons temporarily left for another project, the band released their self-titled debut album in 1984 with Jack Sherman on guitar and Cliff Martinez on drums. Slovak later rejoined for the 1985 album “Freaky Styley,” and Irons returned for “The Uplift Mofo Party Plan” in 1987. Tragedy struck when Slovak died of a drug overdose in 1988, leading to Irons’ departure. The band then recruited John Frusciante on guitar and Chad Smith on drums, a lineup that would record foundational albums for their success.

With Frusciante and Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers achieved significant commercial recognition. Their 1991 album, “Blood Sugar Sex Magik,” produced hits like “Give It Away” and “Under the Bridge,” selling over 12 million copies. Frusciante’s discomfort with widespread fame led to his first departure in 1992, with Dave Navarro stepping in for “One Hot Minute” (1995). Frusciante rejoined in 1998, ushering in their most commercially successful period. “Californication” (1999) sold over 16 million copies, followed by “By the Way” (2002) and “Stadium Arcadium” (2006), the latter becoming their first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart.

Frusciante departed again in 2009 to focus on solo work, and Josh Klinghoffer filled the guitar role for “I’m with You” (2011) and “The Getaway” (2016). In 2019, Frusciante made his second return, and the band released two albums in 2022, “Unlimited Love” and “Return of the Dream Canteen.” Throughout their career, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have broken records on the American Alternative Songs charts, won three Grammy Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, further solidified by a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022.