The artist Flea called “the greatest rocker of all time”
There aren’t many who can claim to genuinely dislike Flea. Despite being a key member of the often divisive Red Hot Chili Peppers, known for their frenetic funk-rock, Flea has always stood out as one of the more amiable musicians, offering considerable insight and charm.
It goes without saying that Flea is a hero of the bass. While there are countless notable guitarists, making a mark in the world of the four-string is a different challenge due to its more limited scope as a melodic instrument. Yet, with his distinctive slap technique, technically brilliant basslines, and frenetic energy, Flea carved out a unique space for himself early on, even as the Red Hot Chili Peppers were still finding their footing in the rock world.
Flea’s position is ironic, given that his band is often criticised for being one of the most one-dimensional in existence. This reputation has led some to dislike his funk-based style. However, for Flea—and the rest of the band—funk-rock is not their entire identity. Although the group is often perceived as inane due to their onstage antics and Anthony Kiedis’ humorous scat delivery, there is much more depth to them.
Flea has, and always will be, a punk at heart. Cutting his teeth in the formative Los Angeles scene in the 1980s, which even included a stint with the cult act Fear, he knows the genre better than most and is well-versed in its evolution from inception to the present. From the related funk twists of Leeds pioneers Gang of Four to the more straight-up work of The Germs and the hardcore innovations of Greg Ginn’s Black Flag, Flea loves punk in all its forms.
This love of the genre also means he’s a fan of its progenitors, including former Stooges frontman Iggy Pop. While Pop isn’t exactly known for his deference to funk, he brought ample energy to the studio and live performances. This helped smash open the gates for Flea’s generation over the coming years, who would package the early proto-punk spirit in an array of ways.
At the surface level, there might not be many similarities between Flea’s work with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Iggy Pop’s, but he’s in no doubt that the Ann Arbor icon is “the greatest rocker of all time”. He made this bold statement in a 1996 interview with Marc Allan, available at The Tapes Archive.
Discussing the potential of being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which wouldn’t materialise until 2012, the bassist lodged a serious question about the foundation’s veracity, given Pop and Lou Reed hadn’t yet made it in. Unsurprisingly, it’s a debate that still rages on.
He said: “So maybe if we got accepted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, I would feel proud of being a part of American history possibly. But to tell you the truth, I’m not really sure. I don’t know. As far as I can see whenever I see that thing it’s always kind of a joke. Right? They don’t have Iggy Pop in it, or they don’t have the Lou Reed in it.”
Then, Flea offered his account of Pop: “Because Iggy Pop is the King of rock. Iggy Pop is the greatest rocker of all time.”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers man was right; over his entire career, Pop has maintained a high level of work, and on top of this, he’s always been cool. Those two simple things are all anyone needs to become an undisputed great.
