AceShowbiz - Flea, the iconic bassist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, defies expectations with his first solo album, Honora, released today, March 27, via Nonesuch Records.

This album marks a striking departure from his rock roots, embracing jazz as a deeply personal and artistic venture. Flea spent two years mastering the trumpet, an instrument that inspired him in his youth. His early admiration for jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie and his father’s collection of jazz records fueled this creative journey.

Honora is more than just a collection of songs; it serves as a cultural reflection, exploring themes like civil war, peace, and love. The album’s meditative tone invites listeners into a unique space where American history and personal expression intersect.

Recorded primarily in February 2025, the album boasts a range of notable collaborations. Flea worked with Radiohead’s Thom Yorke on the track "Traffic Lights," and enlisted contributions from Nick Cave on "Wichita Lineman" as well as Ann Ronell on "Willow Weep for Me." The album also features reinterpretations of songs by Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor ("Thinkin Bout You") and by George Clinton and Eddie Hazel ("Maggot Brain").

The recording sessions brought together a stellar lineup of musicians. Producer and saxophonist Josh Johnson led the project, supported by guitarist Jeff Parker, bassist Anna Butterss, and drummer Deantoni Parks. Additional contributions came from Mauro Refosco, known for his work with David Byrne and Atoms for Peace, Nate Walcott from Bright Eyes, and Warren Ellis of The Dirty Three and The Bad Seeds.

Earlier this week, Flea and his band made their television debut performing "Thinkin Bout You" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. During the interview, he reflected on returning to the trumpet, describing it as a rewarding learning process and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to explore this instrument again.

Born Michael Balzary, Flea is among the few Australian-born artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In a recent visit to his homeland, he was seen at a Sydney Kings NBL basketball game and held an intimate listening event at Church Street Studios. Dressed casually in flip-flops on a warm summer day, Flea appeared at ease while presenting the album to local media and industry figures.

Looking ahead, Flea and the Honora band will embark on a sold-out international tour this May. The itinerary includes intimate venues across North America, the U.K., and Europe, showcasing the album’s distinctive jazz sound live.

The tour dates are as follows:

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

Fans can stream Honora now and experience the dynamic evolution of Flea as he explores new musical territory on this deeply heartfelt and culturally resonant jazz album.