Red Hot Chili Peppers

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  • Year:
    2012
  • Inducted by:
    Chris Rock
  • Category:
    Performers

Introduction

Resilient. Ambitious. Innovative. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have been to hell and back wearing nothing but a tube sock.

Inspired by an eclectic mix of genres, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were the architects of a new sound, stretching the bounds of rock and their own creativity to their limit.

Hall of Fame Essay

2012

Nina Pearlman

The word pioneers is regularly used to describe the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and with good reason: The band—which today consists of Anthony Kiedis on vocals; Michael Balzary, long known to fans as Flea, on bass; Chad Smith on drums; and recent addition Josh Klinghoffer on guitar—birthed a blend of punk, funk, and hip-hop that has since influenced every group to marry rap and rock.

The first of the early-nineties alternative bands to follow Nirvana into the upper echelons of the charts, the Chili Peppers injected a splash of color to that movement’s oft-gray canvas, their funky jams and flamboyant garb (or lack thereof) providing relief from grunge’s punk-metal sludge and flannel shirt uniform.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Cover 2012
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2012 Inductees Red Hot Chili Peppers
their music is so happy, but at the same time it’s hardcore. It’s hardcore happiness.
Chris Rock

Photography: Getty/WireImage