This week, fans of the legendary bassist got a surprise: Flea, best known for his decades with Red Hot Chili Peppers, has released a brand‑new solo song — and it’s not what you’d expect. The track, titled “A Plea”, marks a bold departure from his rock roots, diving deep into jazz and spoken-word territory, accompanied by an evocative music video.
A Sound of Reinvention: Jazz, Trumpet and Soul
On “A Plea,” Flea returns to his first instrument — the trumpet — while also playing electric bass and lending his voice. The song stretches nearly eight minutes, beginning with a deep, upright bass pulse before weaving in guitar, flute, brass, percussion, drums — ultimately building into a lush, genre-blurring tapestry that fuses jazz, funk, rock, and spoken‑word.
Joining Flea is a roster of modern jazz luminaries: double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington, trombonist Vikram Devasthali — plus vocal support from Chris Warren and saxophonist/producer Josh Johnson.
In short: this isn’t Flea for the mosh‑pit. It’s Flea for the introspective midnight session.
Visual Statement: The Video Directed by His Daughter
The self‑titled track is accompanied by a striking music video, directed by Flea’s daughter, Clara Balzary. The visual doesn’t shy away from emotion — Flea moves, dances, contorts, and performs in a bare, expressive space, blending movement with musical intensity.
The choreography — reportedly by Sadie Wilking — and Flea’s raw, unfiltered performance give the video a sense of urgent vulnerability, as if the music itself were a living, breathing plea.
Message & Meaning: More Than Just Music
Lyrically, “A Plea” isn’t about chart‑topping hooks or party anthems. Flea delivers spoken‑word style lyrics that resonate with the turbulent times, calling out division and longing for unity. Lines like “Everyone just wants to be loved / See the god in everyone...” reflect a yearning for connection, empathy, and a world built on compassion rather than conflict.
As Flea himself put it: he’s searching for “a place beyond, a place of love… for me to speak my mind and be myself.” He adds that he doesn’t “care about the act of politics,” but believes there’s a “much more transcendent place” where meaningful discourse — and ultimately love — can bring people together.
It’s a bold reminder: sometimes, music says more than politics ever could.
What’s Next: A Solo Album on the Horizon 🎷
“A Plea” isn’t just a one-off experiment. It’s the first taste of Flea’s forthcoming debut full-length solo album, slated for release in 2026 via Nonesuch Records.
No tracklist or album title has been revealed yet — but with this inviting, genre-defying opening salvo, it’s safe to say we’re in for something raw, honest, and maybe even transformative.
Final Thought: Flea — Still Breaking the Mold
After nearly five decades as a rock icon, Flea isn’t content to rest on his legacy. With “A Plea,” he toes the line between jazz, funk, spoken word and existential reflection — reminding us why he remains one of the most dynamic and unpredictable artists in music.
If you’ve ever loved him for the lightning‑fast bass runs and funk-fueled mayhem, prepare to fall for his trumpet’s longing cry and emotional core. Flea doesn’t just want your ears — he wants your heart.