Flea, the bassist of Red Hot Chili Peppers, has revealed details of his first full-length solo album, Honora, set for release on March 27, 2026, via Nonesuch Records. The announcement includes a new single, 'Traffic Lights,' co-written with Thom Yorke, and a 10-date world tour starting in May. The album draws on Flea's jazz roots, featuring collaborations with notable musicians.
Flea, known for his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, is venturing into solo territory with Honora, his debut full-length album, scheduled for release on March 27, 2026, through Nonesuch Records. The project marks a return to his early days playing trumpet, an instrument he set aside as a teenager to focus on bass in the band. After nearly 50 years in music, Flea composed and arranged the 10-track album himself, performing bass and trumpet throughout.
The lead single, 'Traffic Lights,' was co-written with Radiohead's Thom Yorke and producer Josh Johnson. It features an animated video by Nespy5euro and includes vocals from Yorke. Flea shared in a statement how the track came together: 'Deantoni and I played what became “Traffic Lights” the first day. Something about it reminded me of Atoms for Peace, so I sent it to Thom. Just knowing him, I thought it would be a rhythm and a sensibility that he would relate to. And I was right.' He described Yorke as 'the warmest, free flowing, jamming motherfucker.' A previous single, 'A Plea,' was released in December.
Honora blends original compositions with covers, including Funkadelic's 'Maggot Brain' by George Clinton and Eddie Hazel, Jimmy Webb's 'Wichita Lineman,' Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor's 'Thinkin Bout You,' and Ann Ronell's 'Willow Weep for Me.' Collaborators include saxophonist and producer Josh Johnson, guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Anna Butterss, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, and additional contributions from Nick Cave and Nate Walcott on vocals, among others like flutist Rickey Washington and trombonist Vikram Devasthali.
Reflecting on the recording process, Flea recalled a 1991 conversation where he expressed a desire for an instrumental record with 'deep hypnotic grooves, trippy melodies.' Approaching his 60th birthday, he committed to daily trumpet practice for two years. Despite initial fears that the jazz ensemble might view him as a 'non-playing motherfucker, charlatan, rock poseur,' he found them supportive. 'Sitting in a room and playing the music with them made me feel like I was on drugs,' Flea said. 'I was buzzing, tripping and floating around the studio. I love them, they truly gave of themselves. I bow all the way down.'
The album is named after a beloved family member. Flea's solo career also includes a 2012 EP, Helen Burns, alongside his pursuits in acting, memoir writing, and hosting the podcast This Little Light. Meanwhile, Red Hot Chili Peppers released Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen in 2022.
To support Honora, Flea will embark on a 10-date tour with a backing band, beginning May 7, 2026, at Thalia Hall in Chicago and concluding May 28 at Alhambra in Paris. Stops include Toronto, Montreal, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Berlin, Amsterdam, and London.
Tracklist:
1. Golden Wingship
2. A Plea
3. Traffic Lights
4. Frailed
5. Morning Cry
6. Maggot Brain
7. Wichita Lineman
8. Thinkin Bout You
9. Willow Weep for Me
10. Free As I Want to Be
