Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, known for his energetic stage presence, has a surprising daily ritual: prayer. The 60-year-old musician recently revealed to the Los Angeles Times that prayer is a significant part of his life, despite not adhering to any specific religion.
"I pray upon waking, before sleep, and during meals," Flea explained. "Even in interviews, I take a moment to step back and let go." He describes his belief system as centered around a "divine energy" rather than traditional religious dogma.
Flea, whose real name is Michael Balzary, has been a cornerstone of the Red Hot Chili Peppers since its inception in 1983, alongside vocalist Anthony Kiedis. During the band's peak, amidst the whirlwind of rockstar life, Flea experienced a period of reflection and exhaustion, leading him to seek deeper meaning. He described a bout with chronic fatigue in his early 30s, a stark contrast to his previously boundless energy. This period of introspection, combined with reading Jon Kabat-Zinn's work, led to a spiritual awakening for the bassist.
Flea recounted, "I began contemplating that emptiness, and suddenly, the concept of God resonated deeply." While not affiliated with a particular church, Flea explored different denominations in search of a community connection. He fondly recalled attending gospel services in South Los Angeles during the 1980s, drawn to the powerful music and communal experience.
He expressed admiration for individuals involved in intensely religious practices, noting their fervor surpasses even the punk rock scene he's so familiar with. Beyond his musical endeavors, Flea hosts the podcast "This Little Light," interviewing fellow artists. He's also deeply committed to music education, having founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music in 2001 to address the lack of music programs in Los Angeles public schools. Recently, Flea and his wife, streetwear designer Melody Ehsani, welcomed their son, Darius. Flea also has two daughters from previous relationships.
And as for Darius's musical upbringing? Flea jokingly assures us it's far from traditional children's tunes. "Forget 'Mary Had a Little Lamb,'" he quipped. "We're listening to Sonny Rollins."
