History of Red Hot Chili Peppers in Timeline
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, formed in 1982 in Los Angeles, are an influential American rock band known for their eclectic musical style blending elements of alternative rock, funk, punk, and more. The band consists of Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Flea (bass), Chad Smith (drums), and John Frusciante (guitar). They have achieved remarkable commercial success with over 120 million records sold and hold numerous Billboard chart records. The band has earned six Grammy Awards, a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2012), and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2022).
December 16, 1982: First Performance
The Red Hot Chili Peppers gave their first performance on December 16, 1982, at the Grandia Room club in Hollywood.
1982: Formation of Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, an American rock band, was formed in Los Angeles in 1982.
November 1983: Record Deal and Lineup Changes
In November 1983, the band secured a seven-album deal with EMI America and Enigma Records. However, lineup changes occurred with Hillel Slovak and Jack Irons leaving to focus on their other band. Cliff Martinez and Jack Sherman joined the band.
1983: Original Lineup Reunion
With the return of Jack Irons in April 1986, all four original members of the band were reunited for the first time since 1983.
August 1984: Debut Album Release and Tour
August 1984 saw the release of their debut album, "The Red Hot Chili Peppers," which gained traction on college radio and MTV. Following the release, the band embarked on a 64-date tour.
1984: Debut Album Release
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their self-titled debut album in 1984, marking their entrance into the music scene.
February 1985: Jack Sherman's Departure and Hillel Slovak's Return
Due to musical and personal conflicts, Jack Sherman was fired from the band in February 1985. Hillel Slovak rejoined the band.
August 16, 1985: Release of "Freaky Styley"
Produced by George Clinton, the band's second album, "Freaky Styley," was released on August 16, 1985.
1985: Release of "Freaky Styley"
The band's second album, "Freaky Styley," was released in 1985, featuring a more punk and funk-influenced sound.
April 1986: Cliff Martinez's Departure and Jack Irons' Return
Cliff Martinez was fired from the band in April 1986, and Jack Irons rejoined, reuniting the four founding members for the first time since 1983.
1986: Anthony Kiedis' Relationship with Ione Skye
In 1986, Anthony Kiedis dated actress Ione Skye when she was 16, below the age of consent in California, as detailed in his autobiography Scar Tissue.
1986: Film Appearances
The Red Hot Chili Peppers made appearances in the films "Thrashin'" and "Tough Guys" in 1986.
September 1987: Release of "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan" and Tour
September 1987 marked the release of "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan." The band then embarked on a North American tour to support the album, with Faith No More as the opening act.
1987: Rick Rubin Initially Declines to Work with the Band
In 1987, Rick Rubin declined to work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers due to their drug problems.
1987: Slovak's Guitar Style Shines on 'The Uplift Mofo Party Plan'
On their 1987 album 'The Uplift Mofo Party Plan,' guitarist Hillel Slovak experimented with genres beyond funk, such as reggae and speed metal, showcasing his versatility and influence on the band's sound.
1987: Release of "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their third album, "The Uplift Mofo Party Plan," in 1987, which saw greater chart success than their previous albums.
June 1988: Death of Hillel Slovak
Tragedy struck the Red Hot Chili Peppers when guitarist Hillel Slovak died from a heroin overdose in June 1988.
June 25, 1988: Hillel Slovak's Death
Hillel Slovak tragically died of a heroin overdose on June 25, 1988.
September 1988: John Frusciante Joins Red Hot Chili Peppers
John Frusciante, a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, joined the band as their guitarist in September 1988, bringing a new, melodic style.
December 1988: Chad Smith Becomes Drummer
After Peligro was fired due to substance abuse issues, Chad Smith joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers as their drummer in December 1988, solidifying their lineup.
April 1989: Anthony Kiedis Conviction for Sexual Battery
On April 21, 1989, Anthony Kiedis was convicted of sexual battery and indecent exposure after exposing himself and pressing his penis to a woman's face against her wishes. He was fined $1,000 on each charge.
August 16, 1989: "Mother's Milk" Released
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their fourth studio album, "Mother's Milk", on August 16, 1989, which achieved moderate success and marked a turning point in their career.
1989: Release of "Mother's Milk"
With John Frusciante and Chad Smith joining the band, the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded and released "Mother's Milk" in 1989.
March 1990: "Mother's Milk" Certified Gold
In March 1990, "Mother's Milk" was certified gold, signifying a significant milestone for the band.
1990: Flea and Smith Arrested for Battery
In 1990, Flea and Chad Smith were arrested on charges of battery at a spring break performance for MTV in Daytona Beach, Florida. They pled guilty and were fined and ordered to make donations to the Volusia County Rape Crisis Center.
1990: Chili Peppers' PSA for Rock the Vote
In 1990, the Red Hot Chili Peppers appeared in PSA ads for Rock the Vote, a non-profit organization in the United States focused on increasing voter turnout among young voters aged 18 to 24.
1990: Signing with Warner Bros. and Collaboration with Rick Rubin
In 1990, the Red Hot Chili Peppers signed with Warner Bros. Records and began working with producer Rick Rubin, marking a pivotal moment in their career.
September 1991: "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" Released
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" in September 1991, which catapulted them to international fame and became a defining album of the era.
1991: Release of "Blood Sugar Sex Magik"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers achieved major commercial success with their 1991 album, "Blood Sugar Sex Magik."
May 1992: John Frusciante Quits the Band
In May 1992, John Frusciante abruptly quit the Red Hot Chili Peppers due to his struggles with fame and addiction, marking a turning point for the band.
September 1992: Success at the MTV Video Music Awards
The Red Hot Chili Peppers won three awards at the MTV Video Music Awards in September 1992, including Viewer's Choice, showcasing their growing popularity.
1992: "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" Achieves Critical and Commercial Success
"Blood Sugar Sex Magik" achieved massive success in 1992, solidifying the Red Hot Chili Peppers' status as major musical force.
1992: Red Hot Chili Peppers' Influence on Emerging Funk-Metal Bands
By 1992, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' influence on the burgeoning funk-metal scene was undeniable, with AllMusic noting the emergence of numerous bands following in their footsteps.
1992: Flea's Statement on 1990 Incident
In a 1992 Rolling Stone interview, Flea expressed regret for his actions during the 1990 incident in Daytona Beach, Florida, admitting it was a 'really stupid thing to do' but denying any sexual assault.
1992: John Frusciante's Departure
John Frusciante left the band abruptly in 1992 while on tour, due to discomfort with the band's newfound popularity.
February 1993: First Grammy Award Win
In February 1993, the Red Hot Chili Peppers won their first Grammy Award for "Best Hard Rock Performance With Vocal" for "Give It Away".
August 1993: "Soul to Squeeze" Released
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released the single "Soul to Squeeze" in August 1993, which topped the Billboard US Modern Rock chart and became a fan favorite.
1994: Jack Irons Joins Pearl Jam
After battling depression following Slovak's death and his departure from the band, Jack Irons joined the grunge band Pearl Jam in 1994.
September 1995: "One Hot Minute" Released
"One Hot Minute", the Red Hot Chili Peppers' sixth studio album, was released in September 1995. The album showcased a darker and more experimental sound, reflecting the band's internal struggles.
1995: Release of "One Hot Minute"
Dave Navarro joined the band as guitarist, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers released "One Hot Minute" in 1995.
1995: Red Hot Chili Peppers Release 'One Hot Minute,' Exploring Darker Themes
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' 1995 album, 'One Hot Minute,' revealed a darker lyrical direction for the band, influenced by Kiedis's struggles with drug addiction and the loss of close friends like Kurt Cobain and River Phoenix.
June 1996: Performance at Tibetan Freedom Concert
In June 1996, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at the Tibetan Freedom Concert in San Francisco, an event organized by Beastie Boys and the Milarepa Fund to support Tibetan independence.
1997: Challenges and Limited Performances
The Red Hot Chili Peppers faced various challenges in 1997, including band conflicts, injuries, and drug use, resulting in canceled shows.
January 1998: John Frusciante Enters Rehab
John Frusciante entered rehab in January 1998 to address his heroin addiction, marking a turning point in his life.
April 1998: Flea Invites Frusciante to Rejoin
In April 1998, Flea visited Frusciante and asked him to rejoin the band, leading to Frusciante's emotional return.
April 1998: Dave Navarro Leaves the Band
In April 1998, guitarist Dave Navarro left the Red Hot Chili Peppers due to creative differences and personal challenges.
June 1998: Performance at Tibetan Freedom Concert in Washington, D.C.
In June 1998, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at the Tibetan Freedom Concert in Washington, D.C., continuing their support for the cause of Tibetan independence.
1998: John Frusciante's Return
After Dave Navarro's departure, John Frusciante rejoined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1998.
June 1999: "Californication" Released
In June 1999, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released "Californication", which achieved both critical acclaim and massive commercial success, marking a triumphant return for Frusciante and a new chapter for the band.
July 1999: Woodstock 1999 Performance and Riot
The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at Woodstock 1999 in July 1999. Their performance, particularly their cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Fire," was controversially linked to the riots and vandalism that occurred, leading to intervention by riot control squads.
1999: Release of "Californication"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' seventh album, "Californication," was released in 1999, becoming their biggest commercial success to date.
1999: Red Hot Chili Peppers Release 'Californication' with Evolving Sound
The release of 'Californication' in 1999 marked a shift in the Red Hot Chili Peppers' sound, with a decrease in rapped verses and a greater emphasis on traditional vocals.
2000: Kiedis Celebrates Sobriety Through Music
After achieving sobriety in 2000, Anthony Kiedis began incorporating his experiences with addiction and recovery into his songwriting, reflecting his personal growth and newfound perspective.
2000: Red Hot Chili Peppers Retire Their On-Stage Nudity
As they approached their forties in 2000, the Red Hot Chili Peppers decided to retire their well-known stage tradition of performing nude, marking a turning point in their public image.
2001: Beginning Writing Sessions for "By the Way"
In 2001, following the conclusion of the "Californication" tour, the Red Hot Chili Peppers began writing their next album, "By the Way." This period involved close collaboration between John Frusciante and Anthony Kiedis on lyrics and guitar work.
2001: Release of "Off the Map" Concert DVD
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their first concert DVD, "Off the Map," in 2001, capturing moments from their international tour supporting the album "Californication."
July 2002: Release of "By the Way" Album
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their seventh studio album, "By the Way," in July 2002. The album, known for its melodic ballads and layered sound, achieved commercial success and produced four singles.
2002: 'By the Way' Shows Further Evolution in Red Hot Chili Peppers' Sound
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' 2002 album, 'By the Way,' continued the trend of incorporating fewer rap-driven verses, signaling a maturation in their musical style.
2002: Release of "By the Way"
The band released their eighth studio album, "By the Way," in 2002.
November 2003: Release of "Greatest Hits" Album
The band released a "Greatest Hits" album in November 2003, featuring two new songs, "Fortune Faded" and "Save the Population," along with a selection of their popular tracks.
2003: Rolling Stone Includes Red Hot Chili Peppers Albums in '500 Greatest Albums of All Time'
Rolling Stone's inaugural '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list in 2003 featured two Red Hot Chili Peppers albums, 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' and 'Californication,' solidifying their place among music's elite.
2004: Record-Breaking Hyde Park Performances
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' three-night concert series at Hyde Park in 2004 broke records, drawing over 258,000 fans and grossing over $17 million, making it the top concert boxscore of the year.
September 2005: Performance at ReAct Now: Music & Relief
In September 2005, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed 'Under the Bridge' at the ReAct Now: Music & Relief benefit, an event that raised $30 million for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
May 2006: "Stadium Arcadium" Tour and Saturday Night Live Performance
The Red Hot Chili Peppers embarked on their "Stadium Arcadium" World Tour in 2006, which included festival dates and a notable performance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live with host Tom Hanks in May 2006.
2006: Release of "Stadium Arcadium"
"Stadium Arcadium" was released in 2006, becoming the band's first album to top the Billboard 200 chart.
2006: Release of "Stadium Arcadium" and Grammy Wins
"Stadium Arcadium," a double album and the band's ninth studio album, was released in 2006. The album debuted at number one in multiple countries and won five Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Album and Best Rock Song for "Dani California."
2006: Flea Discusses Red Hot Chili Peppers' Genre Influences in Guitar World Interview
In a 2006 interview with Guitar World, bassist Flea discussed how the Red Hot Chili Peppers never aligned themselves with a specific genre despite the various musical styles they explored throughout their career. He emphasized their distinctiveness from bands like Fishbone and Faith No More.
2006: Frusciante's Evolving Guitar Style on 'Stadium Arcadium'
John Frusciante's guitar work on the 2006 album 'Stadium Arcadium' reflected a shift towards emulating guitarists like Hendrix and Van Halen, moving away from his previous new-wave influences.
2006: Love and Relationships Inspire 'Stadium Arcadium'
Released in 2006, 'Stadium Arcadium' showcased a focus on love, relationships, and the complexities of romance, with Kiedis drawing inspiration from his own experiences and those of his bandmates.
2006: Chart Success with "Dani California," "Tell Me Baby," and "Snow (Hey Oh)"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers experienced significant chart success in 2006 with the singles "Dani California," "Tell Me Baby," and "Snow (Hey Oh)" from their album "Stadium Arcadium." "Snow (Hey Oh)" became their eleventh number-one single.
2006: Start of "Stadium Arcadium" World Tour
The band kicked off their world tour in support of "Stadium Arcadium," incorporating festival appearances. Josh Klinghoffer joined them on tour, playing guitar, keyboards, and providing backing vocals.
February 2007: International Release of "Desecration Smile"
"Desecration Smile," the fourth single from "Stadium Arcadium," was released internationally in February 2007, achieving chart success in several countries.
May 2007: Worldwide Release of "Hump de Bump"
Initially planned as a regional release, "Hump de Bump" became a worldwide single in May 2007 following a positive response to its music video.
2007: First Performances Since 2007
The band's three invitation-only shows in California in July 2011 marked their return to the stage after a four-year hiatus, their last performance being in 2007.
2008: Collaboration with George Clinton
During a break after the "Stadium Arcadium" tour, the Red Hot Chili Peppers collaborated with George Clinton in 2008, recording a version of "Let the Good Times Roll" for his album "George Clinton and His Gangsters of Love."
July 2009: John Frusciante's Departure
John Frusciante left the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the second time in July 2009 to focus on his solo endeavors.
October 2009: Start of Writing for Tenth Studio Album
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, with Josh Klinghoffer stepping in for Frusciante, started working on their tenth studio album in October 2009.
2009: John Frusciante's Second Departure
John Frusciante left the band again in 2009 to focus on his solo career.
January 2010: MusiCares Tribute to Neil Young and Klinghoffer's Confirmation
The Chili Peppers made a live comeback in January 2010 with a performance at a MusiCares event honoring Neil Young. Following months of speculation, Josh Klinghoffer was officially confirmed as their new guitarist in February 2010.
September 2010: Recording of "I'm with You"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers began recording their tenth studio album, "I'm with You," in September 2010. They opted for a single album instead of another double album.
March 2011: Completion of "I'm with You"
The band completed recording their album "I'm with You" in March 2011.
July 2011: Warm-Up Shows in California
The Red Hot Chili Peppers played three intimate warm-up shows in California in July 2011, their first live performances since 2007.
August 2011: Release of "I'm with You"
"I'm with You," the Red Hot Chili Peppers' tenth studio album, was released in August 2011, receiving generally positive reviews and reaching number one in 18 countries.
August 2011: Promotional Tour for "I'm with You"
August 2011 marked the start of a month-long promotional tour for "I'm with You," commencing in Asia.
September 2011: Start of "I'm with You" World Tour
The Red Hot Chili Peppers embarked on their "I'm with You" World Tour in September 2011.
2011: Red Hot Chili Peppers Pay Tribute to Brendan Mullen on 'I'm with You'
'Brendan's Death Song,' a track from their 2011 album 'I'm with You,' served as a heartfelt tribute to club owner Brendan Mullen, who had played a significant role in the Red Hot Chili Peppers' early career.
2011: Release of "I'm with You"
Josh Klinghoffer joined as guitarist, and the band released "I'm with You" in 2011.
January 2012: Postponement of North American Tour
The North American leg of the "I'm with You" tour, originally scheduled for January 2012, was postponed to March due to Anthony Kiedis requiring foot surgery.
April 2012: Red Hot Chili Peppers Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In April 2012, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their enduring legacy and musical impact. The induction ceremony featured a memorable performance that included former members.
April 2012: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Red Hot Chili Peppers achieved a significant milestone in April 2012 with their induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
August 2012: Release of "I'm with You Sessions" Singles
Starting in August 2012, the band began releasing a series of singles titled "I'm with You Sessions."
2012: Rolling Stone Updates '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' List
Rolling Stone revised their '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list in 2012, with 'Californication' maintaining its position, reflecting its enduring critical acclaim.
2012: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Red Hot Chili Peppers were honored with an induction into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.
May 2013: Concert for Dalai Lama Environmental Summit
In May 2013, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed in Portland, Oregon, as part of the Dalai Lama Environmental Summit.
May 2013: Start of Tour
The Red Hot Chili Peppers began a new tour in May 2013.
November 2013: Release of "I'm Beside You" LP
The "I'm with You Sessions" singles were compiled and released as the "I'm Beside You" LP in November 2013, exclusively for Record Store Day.
2013: Conclusion of "I'm with You" World Tour
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' "I'm with You" World Tour concluded in 2013.
February 2014: Super Bowl XLVIII Halftime Show
The Red Hot Chili Peppers joined Bruno Mars as performers at the Super Bowl XLVIII halftime show in February 2014, which was watched by a record 115.3 million viewers.
June 2014: End of Tour
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' tour, which began in May 2013, ended in June 2014.
July 2014: Release of "2012-13 Live EP"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their '2012-13 Live EP' in July 2014 as a free download through their website.
November 2014: Release of "Fandemonium"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released 'Fandemonium', a book dedicated to their fans, in November 2014.
February 2016: Leak of "Circle of the Noose"
"Circle of the Noose", an unreleased song recorded by the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Dave Navarro in 1998, was leaked in February 2016.
February 2016: Fundraiser Concert for Bernie Sanders
In February 2016, the Red Hot Chili Peppers headlined a fundraiser concert in support of Bernie Sanders.
June 2016: Release of "The Getaway" Music Video
The music video for "The Getaway", directed by actress Olivia Wilde, was released in June 2016.
July 2016: Release of "Live In Paris" EP
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their 'Live In Paris' EP exclusively through Deezer in July 2016.
2016: Julie Farman's Allegations Against Band Members
In 2016, former music executive Julie Farman alleged that two members of the Red Hot Chili Peppers had pressed themselves against her in 1990 and made inappropriate comments during a meeting at Epic Records.
2016: Support for Bernie Sanders
In 2016, the Red Hot Chili Peppers announced their support for Bernie Sanders in the presidential election and performed at various fundraisers, including an event at the Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, with proceeds benefiting multiple charities.
2016: Release of "The Getaway"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers released their eleventh studio album, "The Getaway," in 2016.
January 22, 2017: Dave Rat Leaves the Band
Dave Rat, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' sound engineer since 1991, announced that he would no longer be working with the band after their show on January 22, 2017.
October 2017: Conclusion of "The Getaway World Tour"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' 'Getaway World Tour' concluded in October 2017 after 151 shows over nearly 1 year and 5 months.
February 2018: One Classy Night Benefit
In February 2018, Chad Smith joined Will Ferrell at his One Classy Night benefit at the Moore Theater in Seattle, raising $300,000 for Cancer for College.
January 13, 2019: Benefit Show for Woolsey Fire Victims
The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed a benefit show for victims of the Woolsey Fire on January 13, 2019.
February 2019: Start of Tour and First Headlining Shows in Australia in 12 Years
The Red Hot Chili Peppers began a month-long tour in February 2019, which included their first headlining shows in Australia in 12 years.
November 22, 2019: Release of Josh Klinghoffer's Debut Solo Album
Josh Klinghoffer, former guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, released his debut solo album, "To Be One with You," on November 22, 2019.
December 15, 2019: John Frusciante Rejoins the Band
The Red Hot Chili Peppers announced on December 15, 2019 that they had split with Josh Klinghoffer and that John Frusciante had rejoined the band.
2019: John Frusciante's Third Return
John Frusciante rejoined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2019.
February 8, 2020: John Frusciante's First Performance with the Chili Peppers in 13 Years
John Frusciante performed with the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the first time in 13 years on February 8, 2020, at a memorial service for film producer Andrew Burkle.
2020: Red Hot Chili Peppers' Albums Climb Higher on Rolling Stone's Updated List
In 2020, Rolling Stone's latest iteration of the '500 Greatest Albums of All Time' list saw both 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' and 'Californication' climb higher in the rankings, further cementing their status as influential and acclaimed albums.
April 24, 2021: Red Hot Chili Peppers Leave Q Prime
The Red Hot Chili Peppers announced on April 24, 2021 that they had parted ways with their management company of 20 years, Q Prime, and would now be managed by Guy Oseary.
March 31, 2022: Red Hot Chili Peppers Receive Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
On March 31, 2022, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a testament to their significant contributions to the entertainment industry.
April 1, 2022: Release of "Unlimited Love"
"Unlimited Love", the Red Hot Chili Pepper's 12th studio album, was released on April 1, 2022.
August 28, 2022: Red Hot Chili Peppers Honored with Global Icon Award at MTV VMAs
The Red Hot Chili Peppers' global impact on music was recognized on August 28, 2022, when they were presented with the Global Icon Award at the MTV Video Music Awards.
2022: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
In 2022, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' impact on the music industry was solidified with the unveiling of their star on the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame.
2022: Release of "Unlimited Love" and "Return of the Dream Canteen"
The Red Hot Chili Peppers were prolific in 2022, releasing two studio albums, "Unlimited Love" and "Return of the Dream Canteen."
