Flea Wrote A Red Hot Chili Peppers Song After Witnessing River Phoenix’s Passing

Music has the power to evoke a wide range of emotions in all of us. These are often those of joy and ecstasy when it comes to rock and metal music. But they may also express grief and loss.

Red Hot Chili Peppers have funky tunes and dynamic guitar riffs. Their works encouraged many to have fun to the fullest. They also have a song that has a rather tragic source of inspiration. Overdosing was the leading actor behind this piece.

It all happened on Halloween 1993 after the passing of River Phoenix. He was close friends with Frusciante but also hung out with the other band members.

His friends were aware that Phoenix had a drug problem, but many of them were still shocked when he overdosed and died. Flea was one of those most affected by this death because he personally saw his friend pass away.

There was a supergroup concert at the Viper Room on the night it all happened. John Frusciante, Flea, Johnny Depp, and Gibby Haynes were all there. Phoenix said he was feeling bad during the show and went outside to get some air.

He sadly had a seizure outside, and the band members left their songs unfinished. Flea was the one who jumped in the ambulance with him, hoping that their friend would be okay. Phoenix’s heart stopped on the way to the hospital, and unfortunately, he died.

This tragic experience influenced RHCP’s song ‘Transcending.’ The band released the song two years later, and Flea wrote most of the lyrics. The track was released as part of ‘One Hot Minute.’ That was also the album that encouraged Frusciante to leave the band, and he was replaced by Dave Navarro.

Frusciante didn’t play in this song, but he created another piece as a tribute to his friend. ‘Smile from the Streets You Hold’ from his solo album is also about River Phoenix and even features River’s contributions from the recording sessions that the duo did together.

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