Interviewer gets ANGRY at Anthony Kiedis & Flea and ENDS the broadcast
Flea: The 'Garage' of Concert Halls
Flea describes the Toronto concert venue as being as small as his bathroom, humorously comparing it to the massive arenas they typically play. This statement underscores the band's consistent ability to sell out large venues, framing their current performance space as intimate by comparison.
Kiedis & Flea: The Lenny Kravitz Cameo
Anthony Kiedis and Flea recount their experience performing on stage with Lenny Kravitz during his 'Let Love Rule' tour. Flea vividly describes his energetic, head-banging performance, which led to him smashing his face on the ground, while Kiedis notes his own participation in the jam session.
Kiedis: The 'Attack' of Adoring Fans
Anthony Kiedis expresses bewilderment and frustration over fans who 'attack' the band after shows, pulling at them and hurting them. He questions the logic behind such behavior, comparing it to childhood interactions, and reflects on the intensity of fan adoration.
Kiedis on Sex Symbols: 'Not Me'
Anthony Kiedis dismisses the idea of himself or Flea being sex symbols, suggesting that if anyone in the band fits the description, it would be Flea due to his stage presence. He emphasizes that his own appeal is not based on sex appeal, and Flea notes that male fans often express admiration for him.
Flea: Rock and Roll as an Accident
Flea describes his entry into rock and roll as an 'accident,' stating he never intended to be a musician but was included by his talented friends who 'felt sorry for him.' He likens himself to a 'wayward dog' whom his friends took in and gave a microphone.
Kiedis: Cosmic Love and Automatic Pilot
Anthony Kiedis explains that performing music feels effortless due to a 'cosmic love and funky friendship' that bursts from the band, allowing him to operate on 'automatic pilot.' He suggests the music itself carries them along, making the performance feel natural and automatic.
Band Rituals: Soul Circles and Slaps
Flea describes the band's pre-show ritual: a 'soul circle' where they hold hands, share loving anecdotes, and then playfully slap each other before hugging. Kiedis confirms the existence of such 'silly little rituals' within their 'boys club' dynamic.
Kiedis: The 'Boys Club' Reality
Anthony Kiedis acknowledges the Red Hot Chili Peppers operate as a 'boys club' due to being all males who have been together for nearly nine years, traveling and creating music constantly. He likens the dynamic to living with family, where occasional friction is inevitable, amplified by public scrutiny.
Interviewer's Aggressive Inquiry on Penises
The interviewer abruptly shifts to a highly personal and provocative line of questioning, asking the band about their 'outrageous obsession with your penises' and why they seem to have 'more than any man.' This aggressive interrogation is framed as a delicate response to the band's openness about sexuality.
Kiedis: Beyond the Penis Perception
Anthony Kiedis pushes back against the perception that the band is solely defined by their discussions of sexuality, stating they are 'about a half a billion other things as well.' He argues that their comfort with discussing sex doesn't mean it's their only focus, but rather that they don't shy away from it.
Kiedis: Music Remains the Core Focus
Anthony Kiedis insists that music has always been the primary focus and driving force behind the Red Hot Chili Peppers, despite media perceptions that emphasize their antics. He states that playing music is the 'core and the reason for our whole being,' and that it's always been the number one main thing for them.
Video Director Stefan's Vision for 'Give It Away'
The band discusses their collaboration with French director Stefan for the 'Give It Away' music video. They explain that after reviewing many directors, Stefan's unique vision, hinted at by a picture of a girl on a rock, stood out, even though they had no concrete idea of the final product beyond painting themselves silver in the desert.
Kiedis: Masters of 'Low Fashion'
Anthony Kiedis describes the band's fashion sense as 'low fashion,' 'no fashion,' or 'low brow,' suggesting it's an intentional rejection of high fashion trends. He implies this approach is authentic to them and has proven successful, even joking about receiving an award for sock placement.
Recording 'Funky Monks' in a Haunted House
The band reveals they recorded their album in a reportedly haunted mansion in the Hollywood Hills, with producer Rick Rubin suggesting the house's vibe suited their 'warm, gritty, funky, and dirty' songs. They lived in the house for over a month, creating a 'funky monks boys club' environment.
Kiedis: A Fan of Chet Baker's Trumpet
Anthony Kiedis expresses his admiration for Chet Baker, particularly his trumpet playing, which he listened to growing up as a trumpet player himself. He acknowledges Baker as a great singer but emphasizes his early focus on Baker's instrumental talent.
Interviewer's Escalating Provocation and Interview End
The interviewer's increasingly inappropriate and offensive questions, including a sexually explicit one about ejaculating into shoes, lead to the abrupt termination of the interview. The interviewer claims to be ending it because the band members are 'troublemakers,' while Kiedis and Flea express frustration with the interviewer's conduct.
Kiedis: The Troublemaker Label
In the final moments, Kiedis and Flea push back against the interviewer's label of them being 'troublemakers,' with Kiedis asserting he's not one and Flea playfully agreeing. The interviewer, however, insists they are 'pissing me off,' leading to the interview's definitive end.
