Flea

Michael Peter Balzary (born October 16, 1962), better known by his stage name Flea, is an Australian-born American bassist, trumpet player and occasional actor. He is best known as the bassist, co-founding member, and one of the composers of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. Flea is also the co-founder of Silverlake Conservatory of Music, a non-profit organization founded in 2001 to teach music education. His work with the band incorporates several musical styles, ranging from aggressive slap bass to more subdued and melodic techniques. Drawing influences from funk music and punk rock, Flea centers his bass playing on simplicity and minimalism while viewing complexity as a device that should be used in moderation. Aside from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he has collaborated with many artists, including Jane's Addiction, Thom Yorke (Atoms for Peace), The Mars Volta, and Alanis Morissette.