Full Breakdown
Flea Announces Debut Solo Album and International Tour
1/14/2026, 11:30:08 PM
Honora: A Return to Jazz Roots
Flea, the iconic bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, is set to release his debut solo album, *Honora*, on March 27, 2026, through Nonesuch Records. This album marks a significant return to his musical roots, showcasing his skills on both trumpet and bass. Named after a beloved family member, *Honora* features ten tracks, including the recently released single "Traffic Lights," co-written with Thom Yorke and Josh Johnson. The album also includes interpretations of songs by notable artists such as Funkadelic, Jimmy Webb, and Frank Ocean.
Flea has expressed his long-standing desire to create a jazz-influenced album, a vision that dates back to 1991 when he was filming *My Own Private Idaho*. He noted, “I want to make an instrumental record with deep hypnotic grooves, trippy melodies layered on top, meditations on a groove.” After nearly 35 years, he committed to practicing trumpet daily for two years, culminating in the creation of *Honora*.
Collaborations and Musical Contributions
The album features contributions from an ensemble of contemporary jazz musicians, including producer and saxophonist Josh Johnson, guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Anna Butterss, and drummer Deantoni Parks. Additionally, Thom Yorke and Nick Cave lend their vocal talents to the project. Flea remarked on the collaborative spirit of the recording process, stating, “Sitting in a room and playing the music with them made me feel like I was on drugs. I was buzzing, tripping and floating around the studio.”
"Traffic Lights," the lead single, is characterized by its lively, percussive jazz landscape, with Yorke's vocals floating over the instrumentation. Flea described the song as reflecting on the complexities of modern life, saying, “With a gorgeous melody and the words, you know, about living in the ‘upside down’ and how do you make sense of things when we’re getting all this fake shit and real shit?”
Upcoming Tour Details
To support the album, Flea will embark on a 10-date international tour, starting on May 7, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois, and concluding on May 28 in Paris, France. The tour will include stops in major cities such as Toronto, Montreal, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Berlin, and Amsterdam. Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the general public on January 23, 2026.
Tour Dates:
- May 7: Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall
- May 9: Toronto, ON - The Opera House
- May 10: Montreal, QC - Théâtre Beanfield
- May 12: New York, NY - Webster Hall
- May 13: Washington, D.C. - Black Cat
- May 16: Los Angeles, CA - The Fonda Theatre
- May 21: Berlin, DE - Heimathafen
- May 22: Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso
- May 26: London, UK - Koko
- May 28: Paris, FR - Alhambra
Criticism & Opposition
While Flea's return to jazz has been met with enthusiasm, some critics question the viability of transitioning from rock to jazz, particularly given his established identity as a rock musician. However, Flea's commitment to his craft and the support from his collaborators suggest a positive reception for *Honora*.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sitting in a room and playing the music with them made me feel like I was on drugs.” — Flea, Musician
- “With a gorgeous melody and the words, you know, about living in the ‘upside down’ and how do you make sense of things when we’re getting all this fake shit and real shit?” — Flea, on "Traffic Lights."
Flea's *Honora* promises to be a unique exploration of his musical journey, blending his rock background with his passion for jazz, and is anticipated to resonate with fans and new listeners alike.
