Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
August 1, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Music Box • Musician

Flea

Flea, born Michael Peter Balzary, is an Australian-American bassist, trumpeter, singer, and actor best known as a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Updated August 1, 20261 min readCited sources

Flea is an Australian-American musician best known as the bassist and co-founder of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. In 2026, he released his first solo album, *Honora*.

Early life

Flea was born Michael Peter Balzary in Melbourne, Australia, in 1962. He moved to Los Angeles as a child and became involved in music at a young age, later adopting the stage name Flea.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

As a co-founder and longtime bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea has been central to the band’s funk-rock sound since the early 1980s. His distinctive bass style has shaped the band’s identity for decades.

Other projects and solo work

Beyond the Chili Peppers, Flea has played with groups such as Jane's Addiction, Atoms for Peace, and Antemasque. He also released his first solo album, *Honora*, in 2026, which highlighted a jazz influence and his trumpet playing.

In short

  • Flea's real name is Michael Peter Balzary.
  • He co-founded the Red Hot Chili Peppers and is known for his funk-rock bass style.
  • He plays multiple instruments, including bass, trumpet, and keyboards.
  • His debut solo album, *Honora*, came out in 2026.
Canadian angle

Flea has toured and released music internationally, including in Canada, as part of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ long-running global career.

Quick questions

What is Flea’s real name?
Flea’s real name is Michael Peter Balzary.
What is Flea best known for?
He is best known as the bassist and a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Has Flea released solo music?
Yes. His first solo album, *Honora*, was released in 2026.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flea_(musician)
    Supports: Birth name, genres, instruments, labels, associated acts, and band memberships.
  2. Apple Music — https://music.apple.com/ua/artist/flea/463953572
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, and identification as a bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
  3. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2026/04/28/nx-s1-5798574/flea-red-hot-chili-peppers-honora
    Supports: Co-founding role in Red Hot Chili Peppers, bass playing style, debut solo album Honora, and jazz influence.
  4. The New York Times — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/19/arts/music/flea-honora-jazz-album.html
    Supports: Debut solo album Honora and emphasis on trumpet practice and jazz direction.
  5. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/flea/
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, musician/actor role, and bands associated with Flea.