Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea releases new jazz-funk fuelled song ‘A Plea’ from forthcoming solo album

After a nearly five-decade career as one of rock’s most recognisable and influential bassists, Flea is to return to his first musical love – the trumpet – on a forthcoming album alongside a “dream band” of contemporary jazz maestros.

The as-yet-untitled record will be released on Nonesuch Records, with further details set to be announced in early 2026, ahead of its full arrival next year. Fans can, however, hear the first preview today with the release of Flea’s original composition ‘A Plea’, which drops alongside a new music video today.

In the track, written and performed by Flea, listeners are urged to “build a bridge, shine a light, make something beautiful and see somebody, give it to somebody” – a message of connection and optimism amid wider global divisions. Flea performs on electric bass, vocals and trumpet.

The ensemble features double bassist Anna Butterss, guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, percussionist Mauro Refosco, alto flautist Rickey Washington, trombonist Vikram Devasthali, vocalist Chris Warren, and producer Josh Johnson, who also provides vocals and appears on alto saxophone.

A music video, also released today, is directed by Los Angeles-based photographer and filmmaker Clara Balzary, with choreography by Sadie Wilking.

Discussing the song’s themes, Flea said its lyrics reflect a “yearning for a place beyond, a place of love… for me to speak my mind and be myself. I’m always just trying to be myself.”

He continued: “I don’t care about the act of politics. There’s a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity, help us all live harmoniously and productively in a way that’s healthy for the world. There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love.”

See the video below for ‘A Plea’ – an listen here flea.lnk.to/aplea – more details on the album to follow in early 2026