Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has unveiled his new solo single 'A Plea,' a trumpet-led track addressing societal division and political unease. The song serves as the first preview of an upcoming solo album set for release in 2026 on Nonesuch Records. Flea returns to his roots as a trumpet player, collaborating with jazz musicians for the project.
Song Details
'A Plea' features Flea on trumpet, electric bass, and vocals, blending intense instrumentals with punk-inflected lyrics. The track builds from a flashy bassline to a reflective spoken-word close, emphasizing themes of love over division. Key lyrics include: "There’s hate all around/ I don’t care about your fucking politics/ I don’t wanna hear about your politics," followed by a call for unity: "Everyone just wants to be loved/ See the god in everyone/ Everyone leaves out no-one/ And everything besides love is cowardice."
The ensemble includes double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flutist Rickey Washington, trombonist Vikram Devasthali, additional vocalist Chris Warren, and producer Josh Johnson on alto saxophone.
Music Video and Themes
Directed by Flea's daughter Clara Balzary with choreography by Sadie Wilking, the video depicts Flea dancing intensely amid light and dark spaces, joined by children to convey raw energy and message. Flea described the song as mirroring modern societal issues, stating: "I’m always just trying to be myself. I don’t care about the act of politics." He added: "I think there is a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity... There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love."
Background and Upcoming Album
This project marks Flea's return to trumpet, his first instrument, and draws on his jazz influences. More album details, including the title, will be revealed in early 2026. It follows Flea's diverse career, including collaborations with Atoms for Peace and recent Red Hot Chili Peppers albums 'Unlimited Love' and 'Return of the Dream Canteen' in 2022. The band also contributed to Netflix's 'Love, Death + Robots' season four.
