![\"Flea](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/1778290337_288_0x0.jpg\")
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Flea performs on stage in support of his debut solo album ‘Honora’ as his first ever solo tour launches in Chicago. Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Thalia Hall<\/p>\n
Photo by Atiba Jefferson<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s our first f\u2013ing concert!\u201d shouted Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea on stage in Chicago as opening night of his first solo tour got underway in front of about 850 fans at Thalia Hall. \u201cTo be honest, it scares the s\u2013t outta me!\u201d joked the bassist, touring in support of his debut solo album Honora. \u201cJust making my little record and people being into it is a very humbling experience,\u201d he said. \u201cSo, thank you for coming. It\u2019s beautiful to be here with you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Flea has been busy this spring, appearing in the new Netflix documentary<\/a> The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel at the end of March, just a week before the release of his first solo album Honora, with U.S. tour dates<\/a> continuing through May before moving abroad.<\/p>\n Over the course of nearly 45 years, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have moved in excess of 100 million albums globally, tallying eight platinum and three gold albums along the way. No other act has scored more number ones on Billboard\u2019s Alternative Songs Chart, with the group consistently pushing things forward by breaking new musical ground.<\/p>\n Flea performs on stage in support of his debut solo album ‘Honora’ as his first ever solo tour launches in Chicago. Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Thalia Hall<\/p>\n Photo by Atiba Jefferson<\/p>\n But Honora<\/a> is different. While it features guest appearances from Nick Cave (on a cover of Jimmy Webb\u2019s<\/a> \u201cWichita Lineman\u201d) and Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke (\u201cTraffic Lights\u201d), it\u2019s a decidedly jazz-fueled affair<\/a>. <\/p>\n Before he ever picked up a bass, it was the trumpet first for Flea. And, joined by the Honora Band (upright bassist Anna Butterss, drummer Deantoni Parks, guitarist Jeff Parker and Josh Johnson on saxophone and keyboards), the five piece group tore through the majority of that album and more. Non-album song \u201cGood Night Darius\u201d opened the show with \u201cShred of Hope\u201d following shortly thereafter, both indicating there could be even more new music in the ether. <\/p>\n Sitting down as he took to the stage Thursday night in Chicago, Flea began noodling on the bass, leaning left while nodding in time as the band struck a groove during the opener. Johnson\u2019s keys set an ethereal tone early as cymbals crashed, with Flea standing up as he moved to the trumpet before moving back to the bass about 10 minutes in. <\/p>\n (Left to right) Josh Johnson, Anna Butterss, Deantoni Parks, Flea and Jeff Parker perform on stage during the ‘Honora’ tour. Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Thalia Hall in Chicago, IL<\/p>\n Photo by Atiba Jefferson<\/p>\n Dancing spastically in his inimitable style, Flea strutted back and forth across the stage, content to hide in the shadows as the band stretched out during \u201cTraffic Lights.\u201d \u201cI f\u2013ed up that second song. I\u2019m sorry,\u201d said Flea with a smile on stage in Chicago. \u201cWe\u2019re gonna play some more.\u201d<\/p>\n Over the course of more than 90 minutes, Flea and company drilled down on the essence of live music, supporting one another in selfless fashion musically while serving the song at all times, having what appeared to be a hell of a lot of fun in the process.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just so lucky,\u201d Flea began, introducing the new band. \u201cI wanted to get bass lessons so I could be a better bass player\u2026\u201d said one of rock\u2019s all time great bassists to a collective audience chuckle. \u201cI\u2019m dead serious!\u201d he continued, defending the statement. \u201cThe first person I called was Anna Butterss.\u201d<\/p>\n Flea performs on stage in support of his debut solo album ‘Honora’ as his first ever solo tour launches in Chicago. Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Thalia Hall<\/p>\n Photo by Atiba Jefferson<\/p>\n Flea and Butterss proved to be a particularly potent pairing, facing off with one another during cuts like \u201cTraffic Lights\u201d early and \u201cA Plea\u201d later.<\/p>\n Strobes flashed, giving way to a wonderful cacophony of sound as the group ripped into the latter. \u201cMy blood runs cold, I\u2019m feeling hate all around,\u201d sang Flea on the raucous and resonant new cut. \u201cLive for peace, live for love.\u201d<\/p>\n That track was a highlight on night one in Chicago, with Flea hopping in place on stage as Johnson\u2019s saxophone cut through the incredible rhythm section. With the band bathed in red, Flea leaned into his vocal from the foot of the stage, delivering an impassioned message during the evening\u2019s most rocking moment without ever sacrificing the latent jazz backbone driving the performance. <\/p>\n Flea performs on stage in support of his debut solo album ‘Honora’ as his first ever solo tour launches in Chicago. Thursday, May 7, 2026 at Thalia Hall<\/p>\n Photo by Atiba Jefferson<\/p>\n \u201cPeace and love. That\u2019s the only thing that takes balls,\u201d said Flea following \u201cA Plea.\u201d \u201cI\u2019m f\u2013ing angry too. Build a bridge. That\u2019s where the courage is.\u201d<\/p>\n