Michael Balzary Discography

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Michael Peter Balzary (born October 16, 1962), more commonly known by the stage name Flea, is an American bassist, trumpet player, and occasional actor. He is best known as the bassist and founding member of the alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. His work with the band incorporates several musical styles, ranging from aggressive slap bass, to more subdued and melodic techniques. Aside from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he has collaborated with many artists, including Jane`s Addiction, The Mars Volta and Alanis Morissette. Drawing influences from funk and punk rock, Flea centers his bass playing on simplicity and minimalism, viewing complexity as a device that should be used in moderation.

Originally a trumpet prodigy, Flea initially learned to play bass in high school after being taught by close friend and future Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Hillel Slovak, who required a bassist for his band Anthym. Flea joined the group, but quit several months subsequent in order to play for the punk rock outfit Fear. He soon rejoined Slovak to form an intended one-off band along with fellow high school alumni Anthony Kiedis and Jack Irons; the impromptu collaboration would ultimately give birth to the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Flea has also made forays into acting, appearing in numerous films such as Back to the Future Part II (1989), Thrashin` (1986) and The Big Lebowski (1998).

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