After close to fifty years as one of rock’s most recognizable bass players, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers has finally carved out the time to pursue a long-held musical ambition. He’s stepping away from the instrument that defined his career and revisiting his first musical passion — the trumpet — for a new album arriving in 2026 through Nonesuch Records. Ahead of the release, he has shared a preview in the form of his original track “A Plea”, which is now available to hear below. Additional details about the full album are expected early next year.
The song, written and performed entirely by Flea, encourages listeners to “build a bridge, shine a light, make something beautiful and see somebody, give it to somebody.” Performing on electric bass, vocals, and trumpet, he’s joined by an ensemble that includes double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington, and trombonist Vikram Devasthali. Chris Warren contributes vocals, as does producer Josh Johnson, who also plays alto saxophone.
A music video directed by Los Angeles photographer and filmmaker Clara Balzary, featuring choreography by Sadie Wilking, has also been released today.
Reflecting on the lyrics, Flea explains that they deal with the tension and division he sees both in the United States and worldwide. He describes them as “yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself. I’m always just trying to be myself.” He adds: “I don’t care about the act of politics. I think there is a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity, and actually help us all to live harmoniously and productively in a way that’s healthy for the world. There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love.”
Born Michael Peter Balzary, Flea became widely known as the founding bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Alongside his decades with the band, he has collaborated with artists such as Tom Waits and Johnny Cash, appeared in films including The Big Lebowski, My Own Private Idaho, and Boy Erased, and authored the 2019 bestselling memoir Acid For The Children. In 2001, he co-founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a nonprofit focused on expanding access to music education.
Over the course of his career, Flea has earned six Grammy Awards, collected twelve No. 1 singles, and sold 80 million records with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
