Red Hot Chili Peppers criticize upcoming Netflix documentary about band: ‘We were not involved’

The upcoming Netflix documentary about the renowned rock band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, has been disavowed by the current members of the group. Lead singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith, and guitarist John Frusciante, released a statement expressing their discontent with how the project has been misrepresented by the streaming platform.

“We agreed to be interviewed out of love and respect for Hillel and his memory,” the band began in their statement, referring to Hillel Slovak, a founding member of the group who was a remarkable guitarist and friend. However, the documentary, which they were approached to be a part of, is centered around Slovak and not the Red Hot Chili Peppers as falsely advertised.

The group emphasized that they did not have any creative input in the making of the documentary and have yet to produce their own Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary. The documentary aims to bring attention to Slovak, who tragically passed away in 1988 due to an accidental drug overdose.

Directed by Ben Feldman, “The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers” is set to be released on March 20 and offers a gritty look at the band’s formative years in Los Angeles, highlighting the influence of original guitarist Hillel Slovak. The film promises to provide an intimate glimpse into the band’s evolution, exploring the bond of childhood friendship between Kiedes and Flea.

Feldman expressed his gratitude to the band and Slovak’s family for their cooperation and also thanked Netflix for helping share the story on a global platform. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, formed in 1982, have made a significant impact on the music industry, releasing 13 studio albums, winning three Grammy Awards, and earning a spot in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

The upcoming documentary is expected to shed light on the band’s journey, offering fans a deeper understanding of their music and the profound influence of their early years. Despite the band’s disapproval of the Netflix project, fans can still look forward to gaining insight into the band’s history when “The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers” premieres on the streaming platform.