Michael Peter Balzary, known professionally as Flea, is an American musician and actor. He is a founding member and bassist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers and, along with vocalist Anthony Kiedis, one of the only two members to appear on every one of the band's albums.
Flea performing with Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2016
Flea (right) and Anthony Kiedis in Amsterdam, 1989
Flea performing with Atoms for Peace in 2013
Flea performing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1982, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates elements of alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, and psychedelic rock. Their eclectic range has influenced genres such as funk metal, rap metal, rap rock, and nu metal. With over 120 million records sold worldwide, the Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the top-selling bands of all time. They hold the records for most number-one singles (15), most cumulative weeks at number one (91) and most top-ten songs (28) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. They have won six Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and in 2022 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The band playing live in London in 2022. From left: Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Chad Smith, John Frusciante
The band in 1984. From left, Flea, Anthony Kiedis, Jack Sherman and Cliff Martinez
Vocalist Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea (pictured in August 1989) have remained with the Red Hot Chili Peppers through the band's history.
Chad Smith (pictured in 2019) has been the Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer since 1988.