Dear brothers, sisters, and soulmates of the Red Hot Chili Peppers universe,
As I sit in quiet thought, I am filled with gratitude—deep, visceral, soul-charging gratitude—for a journey that has been far from ordinary. Today, I give my heart to everyone: my bandmates, our fans, our families, our crew, and the great Peppers community that has supported us through decades of rhythm, chaos, healing, and music.
From the first chords we strummed in the shadowy garages of Los Angeles to sold-out venues all around the world, this journey has never been straight or straightforward. But it’s always been real. Raw. Beautiful. And I know that without your love and support, neither I nor the Red Hot Chili Peppers would be who we are today.
Flea, Chad, John, and everyone else who has ever joined this band: you are more than simply bandmates; you are brothers, mirrors, warriors, and alchemists of sound. You’ve been by my side through both highs and lows. You gave me the freedom to fall and the strength to rise. Together, we’ve transformed life into lyrics, sorrow into poetry, and cacophony into connection.
We’ve always known that without our fans, the heartbeat behind every riff, line, and unsaid moment, we would be nothing. You’ve danced with us, grieved with us, stood outside venues in the rain, tattooed our lyrics on your flesh, and played our records until they were worn and weathered. You’ve sent letters, shared tales, and elevated this beyond mere music to the level of communion. The intensity you brought to our first dive bar gig is the same fire that still lights up stadiums today. You are the magic.
To the entire Peppers community—those behind the scenes, the techs, the drivers, the producers, the tour managers, and the family who kept our heads above water—you made it possible for us to be wild, crazy, and vulnerable. Thank you for the late hours, long drives, never-ending patience, and belief in something more than a song.
This letter is not for a farewell. It’s about showing appreciation. It’s about acknowledging that the music was never ours alone—it was shaped by every hand that touched it. Even though the years have transformed our faces, deepened our voices, and humbled our egos, the love is eternal. That pulse. The obvious rhythm of belonging.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers was never simply a band. We were, and remain, a movement. A chaotic, loud, and wonderful expression of love, brotherhood, revolt, and spirit. Thank you for allowing me to be Anthony—with all of my brokenness, inventiveness, lunacy, and truth.
Wherever this voyage takes us, know that my heart will always beat to the rhythm of the Chili Peppers—and yours.
With unlimited love and fire, Anthony Kiedis remains forever grateful and red hot.