After 60 proper legends of pop (OK, you may have thought that some were a bit iffy), it is now time for my Top 20 Leg Ends of pop. These are those groups or artists that have had hits and sold well, but by no means a favourite of mine.
I do know that some of you will really like these, as there is no accounting for taste.
Now, SB does not like the use of profanity in the articles (comments fine, not articles), therefore if I say, for example, “Clut” I mean that well known GP word which is a sign of endearment, and if I say the word “Fluff” it is a well know word beginning with F, four letters, last letter a K, 2nd letter a U and just in case there is doubt, the 3rd letter is a C. The use of the word “Sausage” means that four letter word for when evacuating the bowels.
H/T to Brett of this parish, who very kindly sent me his play list of dire, dreadful, suicidal and basically fluffing songs generally done by right Cluts which are all pretty Sausage.
So, on we go with No 17 on my list: – Red Hot Chili Peppers:
Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1983, comprising vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist John Frusciante. Their music incorporates elements of alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, and psychedelic rock. Their eclectic range has influenced genres such as funk metal, rap metal, rap rock, and nu metal. With over 120 million records sold worldwide, Red Hot Chili Peppers are one of the best-selling bands of all time. They are the most successful band in the history of alternative rock, with the records for most number-one singles (14), most cumulative weeks at number one (85) and most top-ten songs (25) on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. They have won six Grammy Awards, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, and in 2022 received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Red Hot Chili Peppers were formed in Los Angeles by Kiedis, Flea, guitarist Hillel Slovak and drummer Jack Irons. Due to commitments to other bands, Slovak and Irons did not play on the band’s 1984 self-titled debut album, which instead featured guitarist Jack Sherman and drummer Cliff Martinez. Slovak rejoined for their second album, Freaky Styley (1985), and Irons for their third, The Uplift Mofo Party Plan (1987). Irons left after Slovak died of a drug overdose in June 1988.
With new recruits Frusciante and Smith, the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded Mother’s Milk (1989) and their first major commercial success, Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991). Frusciante was uncomfortable with their newfound popularity and left abruptly on tour in 1992. After a series of temporary guitarists, he was replaced by Dave Navarro, who appeared on the group’s sixth album, One Hot Minute (1995). Although successful, the album failed to match the critical or popular acclaim of Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Frusciante and Kiedis struggled with drug addiction throughout the 1990s.
In 1998, following Navarro’s departure, Frusciante re-joined the band. Their seventh album, Californication (1999), became their biggest commercial success, with 16 million copies sold worldwide. By the Way (2002) and Stadium Arcadium (2006) were also successful; Stadium Arcadium was their first album to reach number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Frusciante left again in 2009 to focus on his solo career; he was replaced by Josh Klinghoffer, who appeared on I’m with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), before Frusciante rejoined in 2019. They released their 12th album, Unlimited Love, in 2022. Their 13th album, Return of the Dream Canteen, is scheduled for October 2022.
So, you can see, very successful indeed, very popular, just not round my way.
Discography: Red Hot Chili Peppers:
The featured song was their first hit Give it away, not something I normally listen to, but I have to say not a bad mix of rock and punk, very distinct sound, which I am sure some will like.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Under the Bridge – Live at Slane Castle – It’s OK, bit of a ballad so my sort of stuff.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Soul to Squeeze – Live at La Cigale – Again, a bit of a ballad, with punk and rock. An interesting combination. Not released in the UK as a single but a No1 in some charts in the USA.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – The Zephyr Song Live in Jan 22. – Their dress sense is even worse than mine.
Red Hot Chili Peppers – Dani California – Live @ Alcatraz – not bad.
The only song I sort of like is this one:
Red Hot Chili Peppers – By the Way – Live at Olympia, Paris. You will probably know this one, with the lyrics, “Standing in line -To see the show tonight – And there’s a light on. Listenable, apart from the punk bits.
Singalong, enjoy and be happy!
Links to previous Legend articles:
Featured image: “Flea (Red Hot Chilli Pepper)” by Rafael Amado Deras is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
© Phil the ex test manager 2022
