Essay

Anthony Kiedis
Miranda Suzara
Block 4
The general perception of Anthony Kiedis is a view that is very shallow. The public sees Anthony as a strong lead singer of the band the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He is seen as a man who does not give up even in the harshest situations, and will persevere through anything. Anthony Kiedis is known by everyone to have realized that he was quickly traveling down the road of excess, and bravely faced his inner demons. What most people are not aware of are the daily struggles he went though on his way to clarity.
A wild child since birth, Anthony Kiedis grew up in a tumultuous household in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Some may believe that this would account for his erratic behavior that would show later on in life. It was due to an incident in elementary school that led to Anthony’s resentment towards authority figures. The general public often blames his father, Jack, for introducing the use and abuse of drugs. This thought is not wrong, however, Anthony takes full blame for all of his actions. At the age of twelve, Anthony lost his virginity to his father’s girlfriend, with his consent. This would lead to his promiscuous behavior that would immediately take hold. Grade nine was especially monumental in Anthony’s life because that was the year where he befriended Michael ‘Flea’ Balzary and Hillel Slovak. Years passed, and all three stayed together, experiencing all there is to experience for teenagers. While things were looking great for everyone on the outside, his personal life was heading downhill. Anthony started doing cocaine on a regular basis. A few months later, Kiedis, Flea, Slovak and Irons create a group - The Red Hot Chili Peppers. It was intentionally meant as a musical group that incorporated funk and rock into a fun band that played solely for music and having a good time. Red Hot Chili Peppers release their album, Freaky Styley. Hillel and Anthony were now sinking deeper and deeper into their dependency on heroin. He numerously attempts to get clean, yet fails every time.
The year is 1986; the Red Hot Chili Peppers have released three albums, and have just gotten back from their first proper tour in Europe. As soon as they arrive back in America, Anthony and Hillel beeline straight for their personal drug dealers. Within 6 hours, Hillel Slovak is dead due to heroin overdose. Many people find that fact that Anthony did not go to Hillel’s funeral a distasteful act. In Anthony’s defense, he said that it would be too much to handle.
As a group decision, they hire John Frusciante as Slovak’s guitar replacement. Anthony knew from the minute they all played together, there was an unmistakable chemistry and brotherhood feeling. In May of 1992, when John leaves the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anthony takes this especially hard and feels as though a part of him has died.
Anthony sinks deeper into his drug addiction. Chili Peppers play with Dave Navarro as John’s replacement. Anthony does thank Dave for his time and for keeping the band together, but has said that those years were the most depressing years of his life. The Peppers dismiss Dave and bring John Frusciante back into the band. Anthony said that the chemistry in the band was found the second that John returned to the group.
What most people don’t know is that Anthony was, in fact, not clean during the recording of the Californication album. The general media thought that Anthony was sober since 1998, when he was actually using drugs on a daily basis. Christmas in 2000 was a monumental time him. Anthony returned to Michigan, where he decided he will follow through with sobriety for sure, this time.
December 24, 2000 is Anthony Kiedis’ sobriety date. He has continues to lead the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the same energetic way he always has. Anthony’s positive outlook on life has definitely had an impact on his life and those around him. Anthony Kiedis has not relapsed since 2000.