Red Hot Chili Peppers Slam Netflix Documentary: 'We Had Nothing to Do With It'
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are calling out an upcoming Netflix documentary.
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, directed by Ben Feldman, is set to hit the streamer on March 20.
Here’s a synopsis, via Variety: “The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers examines the gritty, formative years of the Los Angeles band, and the influence of original guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died in 1988. The film features interviews with bandmates Flea and Anthony Kiedis, as well as others who were close to Slovak, who discuss the band’s early evolution and the deep bond of their childhood friendship.”
But it sounds like the band isn’t happy about the project, after all.
Keep reading to find out more…
Lead singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist John Frusciante released a joint statement about the doc on social media over the weekend.
“Dear people of the universe, About a year ago, we were asked to be interviewed for a documentary about Hillel Slovak. He was a founding member of the group, a great guitarist, and friend. We agreed to be interviewed out of love and respect for Hillel and his memory,” they wrote.
“However, this documentary is now being advertised as a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary, which it is not. We had nothing to do with it creatively. We have yet to make a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary. The central subject of this current Netflix special is Hillel Slovak and we hope it sparks interest in him and his work. ❤️” See the statement above.
Hillel Slovak recorded two albums with the band. He died of an overdose at the age of 26 in 1988. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band in 2012.
Another artist is also calling out an upcoming music biopic.