The Red Hot Chili Peppers were first formed in 1983 in California, by Anthony Kiedis and Flea (who had played in a band called "Fear"), friends from Fairfax High School, whose partnership had started life with their duo as "Los Faces".

Having borrowed two of their High School friends, Jack Irons and Hillel Slovak, from a band called "What Is This?", the foursome played their first gig as "Tony Flow and The Miraculously Majestic Masters Of Mayhem". It was an unrehearsed, one-song set to open a show at a club called the Rhythm Lounge.

Shortly after the unexpected success of this first gig, "Tony Flow and The Miraculous Masters Of Mayhem" were reborn as the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Six months later they would be signed to record label EMI.

Despite originally intending to work with both bands, Jack and Hillel decided to stay with What Is This?. Under pressure from EMI to get into the studio, Flea and Anthony recruited Jack Sherman (guitar) and Cliff Martinez (drums) and completed their first album, 'The Red Hot Chili Peppers'. This album did not have much impact, nor did it reflect the vibe of the band.

By 1985, Jack Sherman was out, and Hillel Slovak was back. Together they recorded their second album,'Freaky Styley'. Produced by George Clinton, 'Freaky Styley' expressed "the groove" that had been sadly lacking in their debut album.

Although the Chili Peppers had sold few albums, they began to be known for their alternative music (a mix of funk, punk and rock) and for their infamous "socks on cocks" routine.

Their third album, and the last to be recorded with Hillel Slovak, 'Uplift Mofo Party Plan' was released in 1987. On June 27 1988, Hillel overdosed on heroin. Needless to say, the three remaining members of the band were devastated. Too much for Jack Irons to cope with, he left the band.

It was several weeks before Anthony and Flea would get back together to begin rebuilding the band they loved and lived for. Eventually they recruited John Frusciante (guitar) and Chad Smith (drums).

In 1989, with their new formation, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released 'Mother's Milk'. Acclaimed by reviewers, this was their first album to be a success.

Having bought their way out of their record deal with EMI, the band signed to Warners.

'BloodSugarSexMagik' was released in 1991. The band stayed top of the parade across the world, and by May 1992 BSSM had reached sales of over one million. After its release, the Chili Peppers embarked on a sold-out tour of Japan and Australia. But the tour was very long and tiring... John, who was just 21, was feeling the strain and decided to leave the Peppers with just two dates left to play in Japan. This brought the tour to an end.

In his place Arik Marshall (friend of Flea, and brother of Thelonius Monster's Lonnie Marshall) joined the band, but the union was short-lived - the connection that they'd felt with Hillel and John just was not there.

Finding themselves again in search of a guitarist, in 1993 they recruited Dave Navarro (guitarist from Jane's Addiction). Their line-up was once again complete, but it would be two years before the Chili Peppers would release another album. In 1995 'One Hot Minute' was born, with hits such as "My Friends" and "Aeroplane".

In early April 1998 Dave Navarro left the Red Hot Chili Peppers to give more attention to his solo work, "Spread". This left the door wide open for John Frusciante, who returned to the fold after six years' separation.

On June 08 1999, the Peppers released Californication with John Frusciante playing the guitar. In this same year, they played on Woodstock99 and around the world (South America and Europe). They're back home again from Japan, Australia and New Zeland waiting the american tour. The Peppers will rock!!