The Red Hot Chili Peppers have clarified their involvement in an upcoming Netflix documentary focusing on the early years of the band and the legacy of founding guitarist Hillel Slovak, who died in 1988. While the band participated in interviews for the project, they state they had no creative control over the final product.
Documentary Focuses on Hillel Slovak
Announced on January 30, The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, directed by Ben Feldman, will explore the band’s formative period and the impact of Slovak. Feldman stated the documentary is “a deeply relatable story” about friendship and the creation of a globally recognized band. The film is scheduled to premiere on March 20.
In a statement released following the announcement, the Red Hot Chili Peppers emphasized that they were initially approached a year ago for interviews specifically about Slovak. They agreed to participate “out of love and respect” for their former bandmate. However, they clarified that the project is being marketed as a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary, which they dispute.
“We had nothing to do with it creatively,” the band wrote. “We have yet to make a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary.” They expressed hope that the film will nonetheless “spark interest in his work.”
Slovak’s Enduring Influence
The band’s statement comes after previous reflections on Slovak’s importance to the group. In a 2022 interview with NME, frontman Anthony Kiedis said, “The energy of Hillel Slovak has never truly faded.” Kiedis expressed regret that Slovak was not present for early television appearances, stating he was “a creator of the band. That was his baby.”
Recent commentary from the band’s former producer, Michael Beinhorn, also highlighted internal dynamics during the band’s early years. Beinhorn claimed Kiedis is “tone-deaf” and explained that John Frusciante sang lead on the song “Knock Me Down,” a tribute to Slovak, because of Kiedis’s vocal limitations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the subject of the Netflix documentary?
The central subject of the Netflix documentary is Hillel Slovak, a founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers who died in 1988.
Did the Red Hot Chili Peppers have creative control over the documentary?
No, the Red Hot Chili Peppers state they had “nothing to do with it creatively.”
When will the documentary be released?
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is set to premiere on March 20.
Given the band’s clear statement, it remains to be seen how Netflix will position the documentary moving forward. It is possible they will emphasize Slovak’s story as intended, or the band may pursue their own authorized documentary in the future.
