Flea's Jazzy New Groove: Red Hot Chili Peppers Bassist Drops Debut Solo Album 'Honora'

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has released his debut solo album, 'Honora', a deeply personal, jazz-focused project. This release, available from March 27, 2026, via Nonesuch Records, showcases a different musical side of Flea, who is known for his energy in rock. 'Honora' represents a new beginning for the musician, exploring his passion for the trumpet, an instrument that captivated him in his youth.

The album was largely recorded in February 2025 and featured collaborations with artists such as Radiohead's Thom Yorke, Nick Cave, and covers of songs by Frank Ocean and George Clinton. Flea assembled a team of prominent musicians, including producer and saxophonist Josh Johnson, guitarist Jeff Parker, and drummer Deantoni Parks, to bring his musical vision to life.

'Honora' is a work that addresses relevant themes such as civil war, peace, and love, presented in a meditative space. Flea spent two years honing his trumpet skills for this album, an instrument that sparked his interest from a young age, with Dizzy Gillespie as his hero. The album includes collaborations with prominent artists and covers of iconic songs, demonstrating the diversity of Flea's musical influences.

The album includes collaborations with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke (“Traffic Lights”), Nick Cave (“Wichita Lineman”), Ann Ronell (“Willow Weep for Me”), plus interpretations of Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor’s “Thinkin Bout You,” George Clinton and Eddie Hazel’s “Maggot Brain” and more.

Flea and his band debuted on television on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon', performing 'Thinkin Bout You'. During the interview, Flea shared his enthusiasm for returning to play the trumpet, describing the learning process as a rewarding experience. The participation in the television show was a major milestone for the promotion of 'Honora'.

In the interview with Jimmy Fallon, Flea highlighted the importance of this personal project and the joy he got from playing the trumpet again, an instrument that has been fundamental in his musical development.

Michael Balzary, better known as Flea, is one of the few Australian-born artists who has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Recently, Flea visited his home country, where he was seen at a Sydney Kings NBL game and held an intimate listening party at the city's Church Street Studios. During the event, Flea, 63, looked relaxed and enjoyed the release of his album.

Flea's inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a recognition of his influential musical career, and his visit to Australia underscores his connection to his roots and the affection of his followers.

In May 2026, Flea and the 'Honora' band will embark on a sold-out international tour, playing in intimate venues in North America, the UK, and Europe. Tour dates include performances in Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Berlin, Amsterdam, London, and Paris.

The 'Honora' tour represents an opportunity for fans to experience Flea's new musical facet live, in a more intimate setting. Tickets for the concerts sold out quickly, demonstrating the interest and anticipation generated by the album's release.