Emma Lawlor
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has officially stepped into the spotlight with his first full-length solo album, Honora, set for release on March 27, 2026 via Nonesuch Records. Alongside the announcement, he unveiled new music, a complete tracklist, and an ambitious slate of live dates across North America, the U.K., and Europe. Together, these elements mark a defining new chapter in the celebrated musician’s career.
A New Direction Rooted in Jazz
For nearly five decades, Flea has helped shape the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ unmistakable funk-rock sound. However, his solo debut moves in a markedly different direction. Rather than centering on bass-driven rock, Honora leans heavily into jazz influences and reconnects Flea with his first musical love: the trumpet. As a result, the album highlights a more introspective and exploratory side of his artistry.
Early Singles Offer a Glimpse of Honora
So far, Flea has already offered fans an early taste of the album’s sound. His second single, “Traffic Lights,” followed the earlier lead track “A Plea,” a jazz-inflected piece that showcases his versatility as a multi-instrumentalist. Notably, the track also features guest collaborators, including Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke, whose contribution underscores the album’s eclectic, genre-blurring spirit.
Touring a Distinct Live Experience
In addition to the album release, Flea will take Honora on the road with a solo tour stopping in major cities such as London and New York, among others. Rather than replicating the energy of a Red Hot Chili Peppers show, these performances will focus on jazz and improvisation. Flea has described the lineup as featuring “beautiful guests,” promising audiences a live experience that feels intimate, exploratory, and entirely his own.
A Handpicked Ensemble
To bring this vision to life, Flea has assembled a carefully chosen ensemble. Anna Butters handles bass duties, freeing Flea to concentrate on trumpet and other instruments. The group also includes Deantoni Parks on drums, Jeff Parker on guitar, and Josh Johnson on saxophone. Together, the band supports the album’s rich textures and improvisational approach.
Reflecting on Artistic Growth
While announcing Honora, Flea reflected on his artistic evolution and the freedom that comes with returning to the trumpet. Reuniting with what he calls a “dream band” has allowed him to explore emotional depth and musical textures beyond the rock framework he has long inhabited. Consequently, the new songs feel both personal and expansive, blending jazz, improvisation, and heartfelt expression.
Early Industry Response and What’s Next
Already, industry reactions have been largely positive. Critics have praised the boldness of a musician best known for high-energy rock embracing jazz-driven territory and revealing a broader musical range. With Honora arriving in the spring and a world tour soon to follow, Flea’s solo era is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing—and boundary-pushing—moments of his legendary career.
