Flea, born Michael Peter Balzary and best known for anchoring the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ explosive sound, has confirmed plans for his first ever solo tour ahead of the release of his debut solo album, Honora, set for release in 2026. The announcement follows the recent unveiling of his lead solo single, “A Plea,” a jazz‑infused track that showcases his evolution beyond his well‑known bass work into broader musical terrain.
Unlike anything in the Chili Peppers’ catalogue, Honora is rooted in jazz and features a combination of original material and standout covers of songs by artists ranging from Funkadelic to Frank Ocean, as well as a diverse group of collaborators drawn from contemporary jazz circles.
Flea shared the tour news in an Instagram post, including a handwritten note outlining several cities he plans to visit, and hinted that a “beautiful guest” will join him at select shows.
This solo project marks a major stylistic shift for Flea. Best known for redefining the role of the electric bass in rock music, he turns back to his earliest instrument, the trumpet, and embraces jazz’s improvisational spirit. The lead single “A Plea” mixes bass, trumpet and vocals in a nearly eight‑minute expression of longing for connection, harmony and artistic freedom — with Flea describing the song as a spiritual quest for unity beyond politics.
The album’s working tracklist includes both originals and reinterpretations of beloved songs such as Funkadelic’s “Maggot Brain,” Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” and jazz standard “Willow Weep for Me,” suggesting an ambitious blend of influences that reflect Flea’s broad musical vision.
Tour Stops: From North America to Europe
While specific dates and venues have yet to be fully confirmed, the announced itinerary includes stops in major music cities across North America and Europe. Flea’s tour is expected to hit:
- Chicago, U.S.
- Toronto and Montreal, Canada
- New York and Washington, D.C., U.S.
- Los Angeles, U.S.
- Berlin, Germany
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- London, United Kingdom
- Paris, France
Fans are already buzzing about the chance to see Flea perform in more intimate settings that contrast sharply with the massive stadium shows he’s accustomed to with the Chili Peppers.
Flea’s touring ensemble features accomplished musicians who bring depth and dimension to his jazz exploration, including:
- Anna Butters (bass)
- Deantoni Parks (drums)
- Jeff Parker (guitar)
- Josh Johnson (saxophone)
Additional “beautiful” guest performers are expected to appear at select shows, adding a layer of surprise and collaboration to the live experience.
This solo tour and album rollout come at a pivotal moment in Flea’s career. After decades of shaping the sound of alternative rock and funk, he’s now channeling his early musical passions and jazz influences into something deeply personal. In doing so, he’s inviting fans to witness a reinvention that’s both reflective and forward‑looking — a reminder that even rock’s most recognizable figures can still surprise and evolve.
