Flea Unveils Debut Solo Album 'Honora' with Star-Studded Collaborations

Photo by Gus Van Sant

Never accuse Flea of being predictable. The Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist has released Honora, his debut solo album, on March 27 via Nonesuch Records.

Honora is a jazz album, a personal passion project for Flea, showcasing his talents on the trumpet. He dedicated two years to honing his trumpet skills, inspired by jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and his father's jazz record collection.

This new release is a reflection on American culture, exploring themes of civil war, peace, and love with a meditative approach.

The album, primarily recorded in February 2025, boasts collaborations with Radiohead's Thom Yorke (“Traffic Lights”), Nick Cave (“Wichita Lineman”), Ann Ronell (“Willow Weep for Me”), and interpretations of Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor’s “Thinkin Bout You,” George Clinton and Eddie Hazel’s “Maggot Brain,” and more.

To bring his vision to life, Flea enlisted a team of top-tier musicians, including producer and saxophonist Josh Johnson, guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Anna Butterss, and drummer Deantoni Parks. The album also features contributions from Mauro Refosco (David Byrne, Atoms for Peace), Nate Walcott (Bright Eyes), and Warren Ellis (The Dirty Three, The Bad Seeds).

Earlier this week, Flea and his band made their television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, performing “Thinkin Bout You.” Flea shared with Jimmy Fallon that returning to the trumpet was a valuable learning experience.

Fun fact: Flea (born Michael Balzary) is one of the few Australian-born artists inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. At 63, Flea recently visited his homeland, attending a Sydney Kings NBL game and hosting an album listening party at Church Street Studios.

This May, Flea and the Honora band will embark on a sold-out international tour, performing at intimate venues across North America, the U.K., and Europe.

Honora” 2026 Tour Dates

May 7 — Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL
May 9 — The Opera House, Toronto, ON
May 10 — Théâtre Beanfield, Montreal, QC
May 12 — Webster Hall, New York, NY
May 13 — Black Cat, Washington, DC
May 16 — The Fonda Theatre, Los Angeles, CA
May 21 — Heimathafen, Berlin, Germany
May 22 — Paradiso, Amsterdam, Netherlands
May 26 –Koko, London, U.K.
May 28 — Alhambra, Paris, France

---

Related Articles

• Flea Announces Debut Solo Album 'Honora' and Unveils New Single Co-Written with Thom Yorke
• Charlie Puth Reflects on Blue Note Residency and Upcoming Album 'Whatever's Clever'
• Mumford & Sons on 'Prizefighter': A Collaborative Triumph Born from Spontaneity

---

Related Articles

• Foo Fighters Debut 'Your Favorite Toy' with Jake Shears on 'Graham Norton'