Let’s Pump the Brakes on Those RHCP Retirement Rumors
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea says rumors of the group’s impending retirement are greatly exaggerated. The reports were stoked by recent comments by drummer Chad Smith, but when cornered…
NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 15: (L-R) Flea, Anthony Kiedis, and Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform at Madison Square Garden on February 15, 2017 in New York City.
Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty ImagesRed Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea says rumors of the group's impending retirement are greatly exaggerated.
The reports were stoked by recent comments by drummer Chad Smith, but when cornered recently by TMZ, Flea -- who co-founded the Chili Peppers with frontman Anthony Kiedis during 1983 in Los Angeles -- called that "silly talk" and said the group is not pondering its future other than upcoming tour dates and future recording.
"We never really look past the immediate future," he said, "but we're on tour right now, we're rocking out, we feel in the spirit, letting the music move us. To be honest, since we first started this band 35 years ago, I've never known what's next or round the corner or anything. I think the power of the band lies in that, just staying in the moment and the energy that's moving."
The Chili Peppers are currently touring to promote the group's 2016 album The Getaway, with shows -- including Lollapalooza Paris and this year's Austin City Limits Music Festival -- currently booked into October and more expected to be announced.
Gary Graff is an award-winning music journalist who not only covers music but has written books on Bob Seger, Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen.
