Acid for the Children: A Memoir

Flea, bassist and co-founder of Red Hot Chili Peppers, presents a memoir of his formative years spanning Australia, the New York City suburbs, and Los Angeles. Through anecdotes, meditations, and flights of fancy, he chronicles the experiences that shaped him as an artist and musician. Flea's prose captures Los Angeles in the 1970s and 80s, depicting both its potential for inspiration and its dangers. Escaping a turbulent home, he found community among musicians, artists, and others living on the fringe, spending much of his time partying and committing petty crimes. Music became a channel for his frustration, loneliness, and love, leading to a pivotal moment when he and close friends decided to start the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The memoir combines witty, entertaining prose with a coming-of-age narrative that explores the power of music and creativity.