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Entertainment • Musician

Flea

Flea, born Michael Peter Balzary, is an Australian-American bassist, trumpeter, singer, and actor best known as a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Flea (born Michael Peter Balzary) is an Australian-American musician and actor, best known as the bassist and a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His distinctive funk-rock bass playing has been central to the band's sound. In 2026, he released his first solo album, *Honora*.

Early life

Flea was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1962. He later relocated to Los Angeles as a child and became involved in music at a young age.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Flea co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the early 1980s and has been a central figure in the band's sound and public identity for decades. He is known for his energetic bass playing and has contributed to the band's funk-rock and alternative rock style.

Other projects

Beyond the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea has played with or contributed to other groups including Jane's Addiction, Fear, Atoms for Peace, Antemasque, and Rocket Juice & the Moon. He has also collaborated with a range of other artists and worked in film and television as an actor.

Solo work

In 2026, Flea issued his debut solo album, *Honora*. The album was noted for its strong jazz influence and emphasized his trumpet playing.

Key facts

  • Flea's birth name is Michael Peter Balzary.
  • He was born in Melbourne, Australia, and later moved to Los Angeles.
  • He is a founding member and longtime bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  • He is known for a distinctive bass style associated with funk rock and alternative rock.
  • He released his first solo album, *Honora*, in 2026.
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Canadian context

Flea has toured and released music internationally, including in Canada, as part of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ long-running global career.

Frequently asked questions

What is Flea’s real name?
Flea’s real name is Michael Peter Balzary.
What is Flea best known for?
He is best known as the bassist and a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Where was Flea born?
He was born in Melbourne, Australia.
What instruments does Flea play?
He is primarily a bassist but also plays trumpet, vocals, keyboards, and guitar.
Has Flea released solo music?
Yes. His first solo album, *Honora*, was released in 2026.
Is Flea also an actor?
Yes. He has worked as both a musician and an actor.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea_(musician)
    Supports: Birth name, genres, instruments, labels, associated acts, and band memberships.
  2. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/ua/artist/flea/463953572
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and identification as a bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2026/04/28/nx-s1-5798574/flea-red-hot-chili-peppers-honora
    Supports: Co-founding role in Red Hot Chili Peppers, bass playing style, debut solo album Honora, and jazz influence.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/arts/music/flea-honora-jazz-album.html
    Supports: Debut solo album Honora and emphasis on trumpet practice and jazz direction.
  5. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/flea/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, musician/actor role, and bands associated with Flea.