RHCP get the retrospective doco treatment.
Red Hot Chili Peppers: how are we feeling about those guys these days. Certainly, Anthony Kiedis appears to be a grade A creepo, but we all love Flea, right? Does that balance the books a bit?
In any case, the focus of Netflix‘s new documentary, The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel, is neither of those guys, although they both appear. Instead, we’re getting the story of founding member and high school mate Hillel Slovak, who died from an accidental heroin overdose in 1988 at the tender age of 26. Slovak’s guitar work is considered a key part of the RHCP sound. In fact, there’s an argument to be made – and I’m not making it, mind you – that the Chilis were never better than when Slovak was on the frets. Check out the trailer below and see how you feel about that.
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel Trailer
What’s the plot?
As the incredibly succinct official synopsis tells us:
An in-depth look at the formative years of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the profound influence of original guitarist, Hillel Slovak. The film explores the band’s early evolution in LA and the deep bonds forged through their friendship.
Who’s in it?
Hillel Slovak, of course, via archival material, plus Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante, Dave Navarro, and Cliff Martinez, as you’d expect.
When’s it out?
The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel hits Netflix on March 20.
What’s the vibe?
I’m always up for a deep dive into the LA punk scene of the early 80s, and we’re certainly getting that here. What’s interesting is that the RHCP lads have put a little distance between themselves and the film.. As per Consequence Of Sound, the band issued the following statement:
We agreed to be interviewed out of love and respect for Hillel and his memory. However, this documentary is now being advertised as a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary, which it is not. We had nothing to do with it creatively. We have yet to make a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary. The central subject of this current Netflix special is Hillel Slovak and we hope it sparks interest in him and his work.
…which strikes me as a feature rather than a bug, given most official documentaries on bands and the like are self-serving horseshit designed to shore up the mythology rather than get at the truth. Maybe this one leans toward the latter? We can but hope.
MORE IN News
