Latest news with #RedHotChiliPeppers'
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea recalls a special Kobe Bryant memory
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea recalls a special Kobe Bryant memory Flea, the great bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, isn't just one of the Los Angeles Lakers' most famous fans — he's also one of their most devoted fans. He has followed the team for over 40 years, and through all the ups and downs, his loyalty has never wavered. He first fell in love with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers, but years later, he found a new superstar to back when the franchise traded for the draft rights to a 17-year-old named Kobe Bryant in 1996. Bryant played all 20 seasons of his legendary career with the Lakers and drove them to five NBA championships while elevating their legacy and fame to even greater heights. In an interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, Flea recalled a special memory involving him and the late Hall of Famer before a big playoff game. Via Lakers Daily: 'I think it was the Western Conference Finals against the Spurs and I did the anthem and I was in hallway in the back waiting to do the anthem and he came out and I knew when he came out, but I knew he had the game face on, like serious, you know what I mean?' he said. Bryant was famous for his iron-clad focus, intensity and will to win. But he still made some time to acknowledge the famous musician. 'He went out of his way to come over and say hello and I really appreciated that, you know? Because he knew my energy was dedicated.' Bryant died in a tragic helicopter crash along with his daughter Gianna and seven others in January 2020. But fans from all walks of life will never forget the memories he provided and the special touch he had with people.
USA Today
a day ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea: LeBron James could be the G.O.A.T.
Red Hot Chili Peppers' Flea: LeBron James could be the G.O.A.T. Given their proximity to Hollywood, the Los Angeles Lakers have plenty of famous fans. People such as actor Jack Nicholson have been regular attendees at Lakers games for decades and have lived and died with the team through thick and thin. Flea, the bassist of the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers, is another well-known fan of the Purple and Gold who can often be seen at their games. He has been a fervent fan for decades, going back to the days when he and his bandmates were relative unknowns and were looking to break out. In an interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, he talked about how he first became a Lakers fan back in the day. Via Lakers Daily: 'My mom took me in '75 to a Lakers game right when they got Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar], and we're up in the nosebleeds in The Forum watching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and I just fell in love with him,' Flea recalls. 'And I'd start seeing in the newspapers different things he would say and things he would do; and it was just that hook shot and the way that he moved and the goggles. … He was just this extraterrestrial being, you know?' That love carried over into the team's flagship Showtime era in the 1980s. 'Those Showtime Lakers: Magic [Johnson] and Kareem and then they have Michael Cooper and Byron Scott and Mychal Thompson. … That whole team was so beautiful to me. Magic Johnson would run the fast break and just…didn't know what was going to happen. I'm telling you man, it was thrilling! You couldn't take your eyes off them.' Through all the ups and downs that have occurred over the last three decades, Flea has remained loyal to the Lakers. While he still holds a special place in his heart for Johnson, he acknowledges that LeBron James is an incredible player in his own right. 'No I don't. They're both phenomenal players. Grant Hill was great. LeBron could be the greatest player of all time. It's just different though. It's that fast break with Magic — he passed BEHIND his head! And it wasn't just to be fancy, he did it because he KNEW it was going to work and no one knew it was coming, you know?' To him, Johnson was simply a one-of-a-kind player and perfect for Showtime. 'Magic was a 6'9' point guard with eyes in the back of his head who could do it ALL. Now LeBron might be the most similar in terms of the size and all the abilities and I think LeBron has grown to be a better shooter than Magic but not like that. Not the fast break.' Flea, whose real name is Michael Balzary, has been the Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist since it formed in 1982. He told Robinson that he hasn't missed a Lakers game since the early 1980s.
San Francisco Chronicle
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Justin Timberlake at BottleRock Napa Valley marks a major comeback after a tumultuous year
Justin Timberlake closed the final date of his Forget Tomorrow World Tour on a high note during his BottleRock Napa Valley debut. His triumphant headlining set on Saturday, May 24, marked the second day of the Wine Country festival and the end of a year-long global tour in support of his 2024 album 'Everything I Thought It Was.' Over the course of two hours, the Memphis-born pop star offered a dynamic blend of new and classic hits, displaying his trademark energy, impeccable choreography and smooth falsetto vocals. Backed by his band, the Tennessee Kids, and five backup dancers, Timberlake orchestrated a vibrant, high-octane show that captivated the sold-out festival crowd. Songs like 'Mirrors,' 'My Love' and 'Can't Stop the Feeling' fueled the euphoric atmosphere, while an electric brass section and agile dancers added visual flair. The show came after a particularly tumultuous period for Timberlake, including several canceled concerts earlier in the year due to health issues, as well as a DUI arrest last June. But any lingering controversy seemed to dissipate in Napa. Timberlake spoke to the crowd with equal measures of sincerity and whimsy. 'I wish you all a healthy weekend with as little tannins as possible,' he quipped, describing the bitter compounds in wine. He also cheekily wore a T-shirt bearing a vintage pin-up shot of his wife, actress Jessica Biel, that, on first glance, many in the audience assumed depicted his ex, Britney Spears, following her recent headline-grabbing exploits. While his latest album received mixed reviews, the live setting breathed new life into tracks like 'Selfish' and 'Play,' which were well-received by the crowd. Older hits such as 'Cry Me A River' and 'SexyBack' stirred a rush of nostalgia that earned cheers at every turn. Timberlake, who has evolved into a polished and versatile performer over his 30-year career, demonstrated his enduring appeal and growth as an artist. The night was a reminder of his musical and cultural influence, leaving fans excited for what comes next. 'I know I'll see you again someday,' Timberlake assured fans. He capped off an action-packed day at BottleRock, which also featured a high-energy set by up-and-coming pop sensation Benson Boone, a surprisingly solid performance by actor-turned-singer Kate Hudson, and a highly anticipated reunion performance by 4 Non Blondes, who marked their first appearance in 30 years. Their rendition of 'What's Up?' sparked one of the loudest singalongs in BottleRock history. Elsewhere, the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage was alive with cooking demonstrations from stars like Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis, Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale and 'Modern Family' star Adam Devine, along with a parade of 'Top Chef' stars including Kristen KishBrooke Williamson and brothers Michael and Bryan Voltaggio.
AsiaOne
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- AsiaOne
'Shocked and disappointed': Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese says band fired him, Entertainment News
Foo Fighters drummer Josh Freese claims he has been fired from the band. The 52-year-old rocker - who joined the group in 2023 after the death of Taylor Hawkins - said he was "shocked and disappointed" to be giving his marching orders. He wrote on Instagram: "The Foo Fighters called me Monday night to let me know they've decided 'to go in a different direction with their drummer.' No reason was given. :( Regardless, I enjoyed the past two years with them, both on and off stage, and I support whatever they feel is best for the band. "In my 40 years of drumming professionally, I've never been let go from a band, so while I'm not angry - just a bit shocked and disappointed. "But as most of you know I've always worked freelance and bounced between bands so, I'm fine. Stay tuned for my 'Top 10 possible reasons Josh got booted from the Foo Fighters' list." [embed] Freese joined the group - comprised of Dave Grohl, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Chris Shiflett and Rami Jaffee - in May 2023. His appointment was revealed during a livestream featuring cameos from other famous drummers including Red Hot Chili Peppers' Chad Smith and Tommy Lee of Mötley Crue. He had previously played drums for Sting, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer and Guns N' Roses. Taylor was just 50 years old when he passed away on March 25, 2022 in Bogotá, Colombia, where the Foo Fighters were set to perform later that evening. [[nid:712326]]
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
One Of The Best Netflix Shows Ever Made Returns Today For A Wild New Season
Love, Death + Robots One of the very best Netflix shows returns today with ten new episodes, or rather ten new shorts each telling its very own, very peculiar story. Love, Death + Robots features some of the best, most unique animation of any TV series out there. The sci-fi series has given us everything from mutant super-soldiers to all-out war between a farmer and an army of rats. Space exploration, time travel, talking cats and inquisitive robots all make up the various stories of the first three season. This new season is comprised of ten episodes, all of which drop today, spanning T-Rex gladiators, household appliances in a search for work-life balance, and aliens, demons, Nazi demons and lots more. Including, yes, more talking cats. It's like an obsession at this point. This show may as well be called Love, Death + Cats. The animation varies wildly from one episode to the next, with different teams of animators and writers working on each (very short) short. Some are adaptations of science-fiction stories. One even has live-action featuring the always hilarious Rhys Darby (pictured above). In Season 4, expect more off-the-wall storytelling, a bunch of celebrities lending their voices – and sometimes faces – to the characters, and even some musical performances. Love, Death + Robots is created by Tim Miller and executive produced by David Fincher, who also directs the first Season 4 episode, 'Can't Stop', which features the band Red Hot Chili Peppers. 'Our hope is that people begin to understand that this is a boundary-less sandbox,' said Fincher. 'You know, we want to be able to play. We just want to be able to surprise people and show them stuff that hopefully scares them, or gives them the giggles: eye candy worth 11 minutes or six minutes of their time.' The show isn't just bringing in popular 90s bands. It's taking a crack at the younger audience by giving YouTuber MrBeast a major role in one of the episodes. Other stars include John Oliver, Amy Sedaris, Kevin Hart and more. Here are the synopses for each of the ten episodes. Can't Stop Synopsis: A unique take on the Red Hot Chili Peppers' legendary 2003 performance at Slane Castle, Ireland, with band members Anthony Kiedis, Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante recreated as string-puppets. Directed by David Fincher, who originally made his name with music videos in the 1980s and early '90s, before segueing into unforgettable feature films. Animation Studio: Blur StudioVoice Cast: Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante, Chad Smith Close Encounters Of The Mini Kind Synopsis: Tiny terror is unleashed in this mini alien apocalypse as directors Robert Bisi and Andy Lyon pay loving tribute to classic sci-fi stories of alien invasion and human stupidity using tilt-shift techniques that make the end of the world look almost cute. Animation Studio: BUCK Spider Rose Synopsis: A return to the fantastic cyberpunk universe of 'Swarm' (Vol. 3), created by visionary sci-fi author Bruce Sterling and directed by Jennifer Yuh Nelson. On a remote asteroid mining operation, a grieving Mechanist gets a new companion and has a chance to avenge herself against the Shaper assassin who killed her husband. Animation Studio: Blur StudioVoice Cast: Emily O'Brien, Feodor Chin, Piotr Michael & Sumalee Montano 400 Boys Synopsis: In a post-apocalyptic city where warring gangs follow a bushido-like code of honor, a new gang, the 400 Boys, forces them to unite. A blend of beauty and brutality from Canadian director Robert Valley, whose LDR episode 'Ice' won the Emmy for Outstanding Short Form Animation. Animation Studio: Passion AnimationVoice Cast: John Boyega, Ed Skrein, Sienna King, Dwane Walcott, Rahul Kohli, Pamela Nomvete & Amar Chadha-Patel The Other Large Thing Synopsis: From the mind of prolific writer John Scalzi comes the story of a cat who plans world domination. Sanchez, as his puny human 'pets' know him, is helped by a new robotic butler (voiced by Last Week Tonight host John Oliver) who can hack into the World Wide Web and is eager to help his new master. Animation Studio: AGBOVoice Cast: Chris Parnell, John Oliver, Fred Tatasciore & Rachel Kimsey Golgotha Synopsis: In a rare live-action entry in Love, Death + Robots, a conscientious vicar – played by Rhys Darby, (What We Do In The Shadows) – plays host to an emissary of an alien race who believes their messiah has been reborn on earth… as a dolphin. So, uh… yeah, Dolphin-Jesus. Directed by Tim Miller. Animation Studio: Luma Pictures (VFX)Voice Cast: Rhys Darby, Moe Daniels, Graham McTavish, Phil Morris, Michelle Lukes & Matthew Waterson The Screaming of the Tyrannosaur On a space station orbiting Jupiter, decadent aristocrats gather to witness a brutal contest of genetically modified gladiators — fierce combatants riding deadly, engineered dinosaurs. A tale of visceral violence and unlikely emotion, directed by Tim Miller, based on a short story by Stant Litore. Animation Studio: Blur StudioVoice Cast: MrBeast & Bai Ling How Zeke Got Religion B-17 Flying Fortress Liberty Belle has the oddest mission of World War Two: a journey into occupied France to bomb a church before the Nazis can raise an ancient evil. John McNichol's short story of blood, fallen archangels, occult magic, and ultraviolence is directed by Diego Porral (lead animator on previous LDR classic 'Kill Team Kill'). Animation Studio: TitmouseVoice Cast: Keston John, Braden Lynch, Roger Craig Smith, Gary Furlong, Bruce Thomas, Andrew Morgado & Scott Whyte Smart Appliances, Stupid Owners From an angry toothbrush to an overworked smart showerhead and an intelligent toilet, various household appliances divulge tales of bemusement, scorn, and wonder about their human owners. Directed by Patrick Osborne, of Vol. 3 favorite 'Three Robots: Exit Strategies.' Animation Studio: Aaron Sims Creative Voice Cast: Melissa Villaseñor, Ronny Chieng, Amy Sedaris, Kevin Hart, Josh Brener, Nat Faxon, Niecy Nash-Betts & Brett Goldstein For He Can Creep London, 1757. A poet confined to an insane asylum believes Satan wants him to write a verse that will end the world. And the only thing standing between him and the Prince of Darkness (voiced by Dan Stevens) is his cat, Jeoffry. Emily Dean directs this wildly inventive period adaptation of Siobhan Carroll's short story. Animation Studio: Polygon Pictures Inc. Voice Cast: Dan Stevens, JB Blanc, Jim Broadbent, Nika Futterman, Jane Leeves & Dave B. Mitchell These all sound pretty great, and I'm excited to dive headfirst into the new season this weekend. Some of these animation studios, like Titmouse, have produced some of my favorite animated series. Titmouse animates the wonderful Legend Of Vox Machina, for instance, which you can (and should) watch on Prime Video. Blur Studio has worked on all kinds of things, including the 'Heaven and Hell" sequence from South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut (which remains one of the greatest musicals of all time). What's your favorite Love, Death + Cats … er … Robots short? Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.
