Flee

Michael Peter Balzary, better known as Flee, was born on October 16, 1962, in Melbourne, Australia. At the age of four, he moved with his mother and sister to New York, and later to Los Angeles, where he was introduced to music by his stepfather, jazz musician Walter Urban Jr. Initially captivated by jazz, Flea’s musical interests shifted, and he went on to become the iconic bassist and a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Throughout his career, Flea has collaborated with an array of artists, leaving his mark on albums by bands like Jane’s Addiction and solo projects by Young MC. In 2009, Rolling Stone readers recognized his extraordinary skill, ranking him as the second-best bassist of all time, just behind the legendary John Entwistle.

Aside from his musical career, Flea has explored acting, with memorable roles in films such as Back to the Future Part II, My Own Private Idaho, and The Big Lebowski. His passion for music also led him to co-found the Silverlake Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles, an initiative aimed at providing music education to underprivileged children.

In 2019, Flea shared his personal journey in his memoir, Acid for the Children, which reflects on his early life and the experiences that shaped his career. Flea’s enduring contributions to both music and culture have firmly established him as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment world.