Acid for the children

More about the book

Michael Peter Balzary, born on October 16, 1962, in Melbourne, Australia, would later become known as Flea, the iconic bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His early life took a dramatic turn when he moved with his conservative family to Westchester, New York, where his parents' split led him and his sister to live with their mother's free-spirited jazz musician boyfriend. This shift introduced them to a bohemian lifestyle filled with jazz parties, music, and a carefree atmosphere, igniting Michael's passion for rhythm as he navigated feelings of frustration and loneliness. In 1972, the family relocated to Los Angeles, where Michael's turbulent home life pushed him further into seeking belonging through partying, basketball, and petty crimes. At Fairfax High School, he met Anthony Kiedis, a fellow outcast who became his closest friend and partner in mischief. Michael's musical journey began as he joined various bands and fell in love with performing. The pivotal moment came after attending a Grandmaster Flash concert, when Anthony proposed starting their own band, opening the door to a new creative path. The narrative unfolds as a raw, entertaining coming-of-age tale and a vibrant tribute to the transformative power of music and creativity.