We Must See It Before It’s Too Late - Flea’s Search For Connection

I met Flea sitting on the beach by himself in Mexico. I didn't recognize him at first, I was just walking down the beach and walked by a guy sitting there cross-legged looking at the ocean, and he called out to me because I was wearing an SXSW t-shirt. I had just come from the event for that year, 2001. He said 'Hey were you at SXSW this year?' I stopped walking and said yeah I was. He said 'cool some friends of mine from a band called Thelonius Monster were there too.' I walked closer to him and said yeah I know Thelonius Monster, great band. Then he asked 'Did you catch any new bands that were good?'  I still didn't recognize him. He had a pretty thick full beard and his hair was longer than the usual Flea style. I went over and sat next to him on the sand, figuring well this guy seriously wants to hear what I saw at the festival so might as well indulge him. I remember raving about Mogwai, who were still relatively new to the US at the time, and he was bobbing his head, yeah, I love Mogwai. Then I talked about Train, from SFO, whose show I liked a lot. He knew them. Then I mentioned Vallejo, from Texas, and Flea didn't know the name. He wanted to know what their music was like, and I said 'Well they play that mix of white punk, funk, and hip-hop that's so popular these days.' By this time I'm looking right into his face and idiot that I am, I still haven't clocked who he was. I guess he couldn't stand it any longer, and he said, "Hey I'm with a band from LA that kind of started that sound you're talking about,' and laughing, and at that point I happened to look down at his hands and saw his inked knuckles, and went 'Christ, you're Flea.' I asked what he was doing there. It turned out he was renting a small house right next to mine on that beach (La Cachora, Todos Santos). He said the band was on a two-week break between recording and touring, and that he wanted to go to Thailand and meditate, but didn't think two weeks was long enough to do the long trip, so he picked Todos Santos instead and was meditating in the cabana next door. We talked about other bands, and about traveling, which he obviously loved. He wrote his email address on the scrap of a paperback book cover after I offered to give him tips on Thailand, since I was spending half the year there then, but of course I lost it pretty soon after that. I didn't see him again on the beach or anywhere else in town, that was it.

Flea, I'm 54 and have struggled with depression my whole life. After my wife passed 4 1/2 years ago I have resorted back to a very introverted and lonely existence. Hearing your words and learning that you have dedicated so much to helping those creative kids have a chance to do what they love sure made me smile. Thank you.

He’s an amazing musician but an even better man.

"arts, academics and athletics, all being of equal importance" ... amen to that.

Wow, this guy is raw emotion. He speaks from the heart at all times. This almost led me to tears. Music can really save and make lives. Being in the moment is the key to actually living. I hope our culture is finally going to acknowledge that and teach this to future generations.

Flea is a special guy. Such a good cause for the kids. He's come along way he should be proud of himself. When Flea said when the universe was forcing him to sit still and to deal with himself hit home hard. I've struggled with alcoholism for a long time been running for too long finally dealing with it sober without covering up my emotions and trauma.

So glad I clicked on this. Not the biggest RHCP fan but have always liked his playing and knew that he was a very spiritual man from interviews in the early 90's.

I will love Flea until the day I die

The 50's are an incredible age to be and Flea is in the same spot many of us find ourselves in later in life. Sobriety is a hell of a drug.

Flea is an international treasure and shining light. We should all aspire to be like Flea.

Flea is ethereal. There is something in his eyes that is so compelling.

Flea is an angel on earth. Inspirational, generous and like all humans flawed. Yet he gives himself to the world.

I watched RHCP for the first time in Tororto last year. I went by myself because I have no friends I can trust at the moment. I find peace and happiness writing music on my own. After watching them I admired how the four of them seemed to connect so well. So happy they have each other. Love you Chilies!!

He is so well spoken. So smart. A great inspirational gem of our society.

Since I was about 12 or 13 years old, I fell in love with the RHCP and their music that has always been so inspirational to me. When most bands play it’s easy to hear how great they are, but with the RHCP and especially Flea for me, and in my opinion, I can feel, not just hear, the gift of the expression of what is in his heart and soul coming through his bass and any other instrument he chooses to express with. Flea inspired me to play music in school where I learned how to play saxophone (from soprano up to baritone. Maybe a contra bass sax one day). Then after high school, I gathered the courage to pick up the bass guitar. And every time I picked up that Fender Jazz Bass, I wanted to play like Flea, don’t get me wrong, I wanted to play my unique expression, but it was his unique expression and passion that inspired and guarded me. No, I’m a 45-year-old father to a beautiful little five-year-old girl who is absolutely brilliant, intelligent and loving and caring and I can tell when we listen to music together and that she already is capturing an understanding of the communication that comes to music, the expression, not just some sound to make you Bob your head . And we both love music together. And truly, I have Flea, and my grandfather, who was born on a little island in the Adriatic Sea called Unije, who taught me all about music at a young age, and played a wooden clarinet himself. He sure loved Artie Shaw. I’m sure Flea will never see this but thank you for having an impact on me and now my daughter through me sharing your impact on me with her. Thanks.

Everyone in this world could use a good friend like that for life. Most of us never have that. I am happy for Michael.

I love the spiritual aspect of the Red hot chili peppers. They really create music for the right reasons and spread so much love with their music. Such a beautiful thing.

Thank you, Flea, for being YOU!!!!!!!!!

The eternal sunshine of the spotless mind.

hmmm... I just turned 40. I'm alone... Been alone for 7 years now, after 2 tough relationships. I feel fine alone.... Back 7 years ago I told myself I'm taking a break, just going to take some time to myself b/c I've never had any real alone time. Now its just so easy to be alone. Its so comfortable. I really wish I could find a cool woman. just wish to find a cool chick who isn't crazy /not needy. Life is so peaceful right now, i really wish I could share that with someone, but so far in my searches people are so chaotic. i feel lost. like born in the wrong time or something... dunno what good this comment serves. just expressing thoughts