Flea | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Flea performing with Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Michael Peter Balzary |
| Born | (1962-10-16)October 16, 1962 (age 62) Burwood,Melbourne,Australia |
| Genres | Funk rock,experimental rock,punk rock,alternative rock,hardcore punk,jazz,psychedelia |
| Occupation(s) | Musician,actor |
| Instruments | Bass guitar,trumpet,guitar,keyboards,vocals |
| Years active | 1982–present |
| Labels | Warner Bros. Records,EMI |
Flea (Michael Peter Balzary) is anAustralian-Americanbassist. He was born on October 16, 1962, in thecity ofMelbourne,Australia. He plays in therockbandRed Hot Chili Peppers. He has been with the band since its beginning in 1983 along withvocalistAnthony Kiedis. He is also known onstage for wearing weird costumes that largely appeal to the audience.[1][2]
Flea is known for his unique bassstyle. He uses a wide range of bass guitar techniques, mainly popping and slapping and changing the speed of histempo duringsongs and his quickimprovisation. Flea is also a skilledtrumpet player. Flea was responsible for gettingJohn Frusciante back into Red Hot Chili Peppers.[3]
In September 2009, it was announced that Flea would be playing withRadiohead frontmanThom Yorke, to perform some of Yorke's material.[4]
Flea is generally regarded by the public as the greatest rock bassist of all time, among similar artists such asLes Claypool andVictor Wooten.
