Inducted:
2012
Category:
Performer
Inducted By:
Chris Rock
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ high-octane fusion of funk, punk, rock, rap and psychedelic pop significantly altered the landscape of late 20th century popular music. Rising from the L.A. club scene with their unforgettably dynamic live shows, they weathered drug troubles and personnel shifts to become contenders in the global mainstream, their sound evolving from freaky jams to introspective, emotionally and harmonically complex ballads, and infectious, groove- rich rockers.
Induction
Impact
Signature Sound
Funk-fueled, Genre-Blending Rock Icons
Red Hot Chili Peppers’ signature blend of slap bass, rapping, and punk-metal guitar set the ‘80s on fire. Initially beloved as a formidable live act, they achieved breakthrough radio success with ‘91’s Blood Sugar Sex Magik. From balladry to bangers, it showcased lyrical depth and rich melody, paving the way for a run of chart-toppers into the new millennium.
After 3 albums, RHCP finally broke on radio with this anti-drug single, inspired by the overdose death of their guitarist Hillel Slovak.
From the Museum
Space Age Bass
The 1996 Modulus bass guitar played by Flea onstage from 1997 to 1999 and on the Californication album sessions. Modulus basses feature a carbon-fiber neck (rather than hardwood), with the company being cofounded by bassist and aerospace-industry employee Geoff Gould, inspired by
Phil Lesh’s bass customized by Alembic. Gould’s Modulus Graphite began making necks for Alembic and others before he started his own instrument company in 1996.
If George Clinton and Brian Wilson had a kid, he’d be ugly — but he’d be the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Chris Rock
2012 Hall of Fame Essay
"The word pioneers is regularly used to describe the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and with good reason: the band birthed a blend of punk, funk and hip-hop that has since influenced every group to marry rap and rock."
- Nina Pearlman
Check It OutInfluence
Influences
Black Flag
Gang of Four
Minutemen
Red Hot Chili Peppers
sealed with a signature
This is the signature that appears on the inductee’s plaque at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to officially commemorate their induction.
more from
the hall
