Anthony Kiedis

Anthony Kiedis
Kiedis performing in 2022
Born (1962-11-01) November 1, 1962 (age 61)
Other names
  • Tony
  • Cole Dammett
  • Tony Flow
  • The Rainy Lithuanian
  • Antoine the Swan[1]
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
Years active1983–present
Children1
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Member ofRed Hot Chili Peppers

Anthony Kiedis (/ˈkdɪs/ KEE-dis; born November 1, 1962) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and rapper, best known as a founding member and lead vocalist of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Kiedis and his fellow band members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

Kiedis spent his youth in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his mother, and then moved shortly before his twelfth birthday to live with his father in Hollywood. While attending Fairfax High School, Kiedis befriended students Flea and Hillel Slovak, who were members of a band called Anthym. After high school, Kiedis took classes at UCLA, but dropped out in his sophomore year.

When Kiedis received an offer to be the opening act for a local band, he enlisted Flea, Slovak, and drummer Jack Irons. After a show under the name Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem, the band progressed and the lineup eventually became the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He has recorded thirteen studio albums with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Kiedis's lyrical style has evolved throughout his career; early recordings discussed topics such as sex and life in Los Angeles, while more recent songs focus on more reflective themes including love, addiction, and loss. He struggled with addiction until 2000, and maintains that he has been clean since then.

  1. ^ "Nicknames". Anthony Kiedis.net. July 24, 2011. Archived from the original on May 27, 2013. Retrieved June 24, 2013.