Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hachette Book Group, is pleased to announce the acquisition today of a memoir by Flea, the bassist and founding member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, one of the most prominent and successful bands of the last 30 years. Ben Greenberg, Executive Editor at Grand Central Publishing, acquired the world rights in an exclusive negotiation with David Vigliano of David Vigliano & Associates. A publication date has not yet been set for the as-yet untitled memoir. Hachette Audio will publish an audio edition. UK and Commonwealth rights were pre-empted by Sarah Emsley at Headline at the time of acquisition.
In his self-written memoir, Flea— who recently lit up social media with his viral post about the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ 2014 SuperBowl performance— will share stories from his intense and dynamic life, including: his move from a “normal” upbringing in the suburbs of New York to Los Angeles to live a bohemian life with a jazz musician step-father; his young, rebellious life on the streets of LA where he befriends Anthony Kiedis and founds the Red Hot Chili Peppers with Kiedis and two other high school friends; details about his sometimes complex friendship and collaboration with Kiedis; his myriad experiences with hard drugs; and, of course, the tumultuous creative journey of the legendary Red Hot Chili Peppers through its various incarnations over the last 30 years, according to Flea.
Of the acquisition, Greenberg said, “Grand Central is thrilled to publish Flea’s memoir. Besides being a voracious reader, he is an utterly unique musician, thinker, and creative force—whether with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Atoms for Peace, or his Silverlake Conservatory which fosters music education in Los Angeles. His story is epic.”
