Red Hot Chili Peppers

Originally formed in 1983, the Los Angeles-based alternative rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers went through many career changes and reincarnations before it got to the spot where it is today. Initially formed by singer Anthony Kiedis, guitarist Hillel Slovak, bassist Flea and drummer Jack Irons while they all attended Fairfax High School in West Hollywood, the group would go on to build a regional following during its formative years, known primarily for its high energy live shows. Creating a style of unbridled and youthful, funk-influenced rock music, the Red Hot Chili Peppers released its self-titled debut album in 1984 to little fanfare. Though the group continued to build positive buzz for itself in the Los Angeles music community, its members' drug addictions spiraled out of control, culminating in founding member Slovak dying from a heroin overdose in 1988 at the age of 26. While the group enlisted new guitarist John Frusciante to join the Red Hot Chili Peppers and help record its 1989 album Mother's Milk, the group languished in somewhat obscurity before enlisting the help of producer to help record its breakout 1991 crossover album Blood Sugar Sex Magik. Refining its sound substantially and focusing on slowing down, focusing and honing its songwriting approach, the band managed to latch onto a characteristic style that helped bring the band droves of new fans and bring the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the peak of commercial success. Having since gone on to remain in the cultural spotlight and maintain a respectably busy recording and touring schedule, the group has proven to be one of the more reliable and long lasting bands of its generation.