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Chad Smith

Chad Smith is an American drummer best known as the longtime drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whom he joined in 1988.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chad Smith is an American drummer best known as the longtime drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, whom he joined in 1988. He has also performed with side projects and supergroups including Chickenfoot and Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats. He was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on October 25, 1961.

Early life

Chad Smith was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on October 25, 1961. Publicly available biographical sources identify him as Chad Gaylord Smith and describe him as an American drummer.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Smith joined the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 1988 and became the band’s longest-serving drummer. Sources describe him as appearing on ten of the band’s studio albums and continuing with the group into the present.

Other projects

Outside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smith has performed with Chickenfoot, a rock supergroup formed in 2008, and with his own instrumental group Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats.

Musical style and collaborations

Biographical and music-profile sources describe Smith as a drummer associated with rock, funk rock, hard rock, and related styles. He has also been credited with collaborating with a range of other artists and projects.

Key facts

  • Smith has been the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988.
  • He is the band’s longest-serving drummer and has appeared on many of their studio albums.
  • He has played with the supergroup Chickenfoot and the instrumental project Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats.
  • He was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 1961.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Chad Smith?
Chad Smith is an American drummer best known as the longtime drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
When was Chad Smith born?
He was born on October 25, 1961.
Where was Chad Smith born?
He was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in the United States.
What band is Chad Smith best known for?
He is best known for playing drums in the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
What other bands has Chad Smith played with?
He has also played with Chickenfoot and Chad Smith's Bombastic Meatbats.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Smith
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, role in Red Hot Chili Peppers, and long-term membership.
  2. Wikipédia — https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Smith
    Supports: Birthplace, musical genres, and membership in Red Hot Chili Peppers and side projects.
  3. Wikipedia (Spanish) — https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chad_Smith
    Supports: Membership in Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1988 and involvement with Chickenfoot and Bombastic Meatbats.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0807650/bio/
    Supports: Birth name and birth date/place.