Hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist goes full jazz with an all-star cast
After more than four decades playing bass for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea has confirmed his debut solo album. While no further details are available at this time, A Plea is due out in 2026 through Nonesuch Records. To commemorate the announcement, Flea has released the album’s title track.
Stream the nearly 8-minute epic music video below now, and check out the album’s cover art.
For the track, Flea recruited an all-star cast of jazz musicians including Anna Butterss on upright bass and vocals, Deantoni Parks on drums and vocals, Jeff Parker on guitar and vocals, Mauro Refosco on percussion, Rickey Washington on alto flute, Vikram Devasthali on trombone, Chris Warren on vocals, and Josh Johnson on alto saxophone and vocals.
Flea himself plays electric bass, trumpet, and sings on the song.
In 2022, Red Hot Chili Peppers surprised fans with their latest album Return of the Dream Canteen. It was the band’s second all-new LP in less than a year. It followed up Unlimited Love, which saw the band reunite with guitarist John Frusciante for the first time since 2016’s Stadium Arcadium.
In a statement regarding the new record, the band said, “When all was said and done, our moody love for each other and the magic of music had gifted us with more songs than we knew what to do with. Well we figured it out. Two double albums released back to back. The second of which is easily as meaningful as the first or should that be reversed. Return of the Dream Canteen is everything we are and ever dreamed of being. It’s packed. Made with the blood of our hearts.”
Back in 2021, the Chili Peppers received the Global Icon Award at the MTV Video Music Awards. The band also took home the hardware for Best Rock Video for “Black Summer.” It marked the ninth VMA victory of the band’s career. The group performed at the award show in New Jersey at the Prudential Center for the first time in over two decades. They put together a medley of their VMA Award-winning song “Black Summer” and their 2002 hit “Can’t Stop.”
To date, the Chili Peppers have sold over 80 million albums worldwide. Their music has earned them six GRAMMY® Awards throughout their career. In 2012, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
