(Credits: Gus Van Zant / John Coffey)
Wed 1 April 2026 17:44, UK
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has heaped praise upon the new documentary on his late bandmate Hillel Slovak.
The new film, The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel, arrived on Netflix on March 20th, 2026, featuring interviews with Flea and Anthony Kiedis, as well as highlighting the bond they shared with Slovak during the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ formative years.
Taking to Instagram Stories, Flea wrote, “I finally watched the new documentary about Hillel Slovak. I’m so grateful it exists, and that more people will know how much he meant and continues to mean to us as a friend and bandmate.”
The bassist continued, “It is a beautifully made film and filled my heart right to the top, not without a good dose of lifelong melancholy.”
Flea signed off the post by writing, “Hillel forever,” followed by three heart emojis.
Along with Kiedis and Flea, Slovak formed the rock band in 1982, but struggled with heroin addiction, which tragically caused him to die of an overdose in 1988, aged only 26.
Following his death, Slovak has also been remembered in song by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, with examples including ‘Knock Me Down’ and ‘My Lovely Man’.
In January, Red Hot Chili Peppers previously distanced themselves from the documentary, directed by Ben Feldman, due to it initially being titled The Rise of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and being marketed as a film about the band as a whole, rather than Slovak.
They explained to fans on Instagram, “Dear people of the universe. About a year ago, we were asked to be interviewed for a documentary about Hillel Slovak. He was a founding member of the group, a great guitarist, and friend. We agreed to be interviewed out of love and respect for Hillel and his memory.”
The band added, “However, this documentary is now being advertised as a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary, which it is not. We had nothing to do with it creatively. We have yet to make a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary. The central subject of this current Netflix special is Hillel Slovak, and we hope it sparks interest in his work.”
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