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Flea Net Worth In 2023, Birthday, Age, Wife And Kids

Flea is an American rock musician of Australian ancestry who is worth $160 million. On October 16, 1962, in Melbourne, Australia, Michael Peter Balzary gave birth to Flea. For his role as bassist for the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, he is well known. He was known as "Flea" as a teenager because he couldn't stay still. Keep scrolling to find out more about Flea net worth.

Author:Alex Mercer
Reviewer:Nathanial Blackwood
Aug 22, 20233.7K Shares101.9K Views
Flea is an American rock musician of Australian ancestry who is worth $160 million. On October 16, 1962, in Melbourne, Australia, Michael Peter Balzary gave birth to Flea. For his role as bassist for the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, he is well known. He was known as "Flea" as a teenager because he couldn't stay still. Keep scrolling to find out more about Flea net worth.

Quick Facts

NameFlea
Date Of BirthOct 16, 1962
Place Of BirthMelbourne
GenderMale
ProfessionBassist, Singer, Actor, Musician, Composer
NationalityAustralia
Net Worth$160 Million

Early Life

When he was five years old, his family relocated to New York City due to his father Mick's profession. In 1971, his parents had a divorce, and his father moved back to Australia. Karyn, Flea's sister, and Flea remained with their mother Patricia, who soon wed a jazz musician. After that, the family relocated to Los Angeles, where a young Flea often joined his stepfather and other musicians for jam sessions.
However, he recalls being sometimes afraid of his alcoholic stepfather in a very violent household. At the age of 13, he began using marijuana to deal with the violence. It became clear that he loved music, and he developed a fascination with jazz performers like Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie. He started studying the trumpet and finally joined the Los Angeles Junior Philharmonic. He first encountered future bandmate Anthony Kiedis at Fairfax High School, where he was first exposed to the punk rock music movement.

Career

Flea on the stage with his guitar
Flea on the stage with his guitar
While still in high school, Flea picked up the bass guitar, and in 1983 he joined Kiedis, Hillel Slovak, and Jack Irons in a band they had started. Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem was the group's initial name. The band's name was changed to Red Hot Chili Peppers when they gained notoriety for their boisterous live performances.
Their self-titled first album was released in 1984 to mostly negative reviews. The band started to get more widespread praise with the publication of their second album, "Freaky Styley". The album, which was released a year after their debut, went on to sell 175,000 copies. The band's reputation skyrocketed in the early 1990s thanks to a number of well-received MTV music videos and lucrative international tours. At this point, Flea had also assumed the responsibility of writing lyrics for songs that were often included on the band's albums.
The band declared a lengthy break in 2008, and Flea signed up to study music at the University of Southern California. The RHCP has sold more than 80 million albums globally to date, with 1999's "Californication," which sold 15 million copies, being their most lucrative release. Flea has had a little acting career as well, appearing in over 20 films and TV episodes. He is most known for his appearances as Needles in the first and second Back to the Future films. He also appeared in the highly acclaimed 2017 film Baby Driver and the Big Lebowski and Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Musical Style

Over time, Flea's inspirations have changed. Jazz was and still is his primary musical inspiration, but along the line he also became passionate about funk and punk rock. Through his career, he has used a broad range of playing approaches. He first became well-known for his funk-influenced slap bass playing, but with the album "Blood Sugar Sex Magik" in 1991, he switched to more conventional playing techniques.
He began experimenting with how to use synthesizers in his bass playing after the releases of the albums "Californication" and "By the Way" (in 1999 and 2002, respectively). Additionally, gothic rock groups like the Cure and Joy Division served as influence for these albums. Throughout his career, Flea has used a variety of guitars, including one from his own line, Fleabass. Over the years, his primary stage bass has been a Custom Shop Fender Jazz Bass.

Flea Wife

Flea was married to Loesha Zeviar from 1988 until 1990. On October 22, 2019, exactly one month after they announced their engagement, Flea wed fashion designer Melody Ehsani. Flea and the Chili Peppers made an appearance in PSAs for the non-profit organization Rock the Vote in 1990.
Rock the Vote was founded to urge 18 to 24 year olds in the US to vote in the forthcoming presidential election. He has participated in electoral campaigns for Bernie Sanders and Barack Obama. Flea often uses Twitter to voice his concern over the mitigation of both climate change and gun violence. Flea published an opinion piece on the American opioid epidemic in "Time" magazine in February 2018 in which he for the first time discussed his own struggles with heroin addiction.

Flea Kids

Flea was married to Loesha Zeviar from 1988 until 1990. Clara Balzary, a daughter, was born to them in 1988. Sunny Bebop Balzary, Flea's kid with ex-fiancée Frankie Rayder, was born in 2005. On October 22, 2019, exactly one month after they announced their engagement, Flea wed fashion designer Melody Ehsani.

Flea Net Worth

Flea has had a very good career and is quite well-known. Flea has gained a lot of notoriety. The estimated Flea net worth is $160 million. Flea was named the second-best bass player of all time by Rolling Stone in 2009. Flea was placed second in a Contact Music online vote held in April 2011 to choose the top bass guitarist in rock music. 2012 saw the induction of Flea and the rest of the band into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The RHCP have been nominated for 16 Grammys and have won 6 Grammys.

Real Estate

Flea singing
Flea singing
Flea now owns and has previously owned a variety of houses in Los Angeles. For instance, he paid $3.9 million for a house in the Los Feliz district in 2008. He paid Jack Black $6 million for this home in 2010. Flea paid $4.45 for a second Los Feliz house in July 2011. In 2014, he sold this house for $6 million.
He purchased yet another Los Feliz property that year, this one costing $2.5 million, and placed it for sale in the middle of 2018 for little under $3 million. He invested $10 million on a two-acre Malibu estate in 2006. Flea made an effort to sell this property for $14 million in 2013.
Fortunately for Flea, he had not yet found a buyer. Why fortunate? Because he sold the 2.1-acre estate for $20 million in 2020. Flea spent $4.25 million in June 2019 for an important architectural mansion in the mountains north of Los Angeles in the community of La Crescenta.
The Dorothy Serulnic Residence is the name of the remote, roughly six-acre property. It was created in 1952 by renowned modernist architect Richard Neutra. Neutra's secretary for a long time was Dorothy Serulnic. She had the house for forty years. The individuals who purchased the house from Dorothy were sold to Flea.
Flea put the house up for sale in February 2022 for $9.8 million. In December 2022, the cost was cut to $8.8 million. The Malibu Colony, the most coveted area in Malibu, is where Flea purchased a property in November 2020 for $7.5 million. Flea spent $14 million in December 2021 for a house perched high in the Hollywood Hills. The 7,300 square foot main residence on the 1.4-acre property contains 7 bedrooms and 8 baths.

Interesting Facts

  • Flea's real name is Michael Peter Balzary, but he adopted the stage name "Flea" during his early years as a musician.
  • He is not only a bassist but also a talented trumpet player and pianist.
  • Flea and Anthony Kiedis, the lead singer of Red Hot Chili Peppers, have been best friends since they attended high school together in Los Angeles.
  • Before forming the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea and Kiedis were in a band called "Tony Flow and the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem."
  • Flea has been known to perform barefoot on stage, a trademark of his energetic and free-spirited performances.
  • He is an avid surfer and has a deep love for nature and the ocean.
  • Flea is a philanthropist and has actively supported various charitable organizations, including the Silverlake Conservatory of Music, which he co-founded to provide music education to underprivileged children.
  • He is a vegetarian and advocates for animal rights and ethical treatment of animals.
  • Flea was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012.
  • In addition to his work with Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea has collaborated with other artists and bands, including Thom Yorke, Johnny Cash, and Alanis Morissette.
  • He briefly played the bass for the legendary rock band "The Mars Volta" during their live performances.
  • Flea has a distinctive and colorful collection of tattoos on his arms, back, and chest, each with its own personal significance.
  • He is a published author and released his autobiography titled "Acid for the Children" in 2019, which details his early life and experiences.
  • Flea is an ardent fan of the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team and has been seen attending their games over the years.
  • Despite his fame and success, Flea remains grounded and values his family and close friendships, often emphasizing the importance of love and genuine connections in life.

Flea on his memoir, "Acid For the Children"

People Also Ask

Which Famous Rock Band Is Flea Known For Being A Part Of?

Flea is known as the bassist for the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers.

In What City Did Flea And Anthony Kiedis, The Lead Singer Of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Meet And Become Best Friends?

Flea and Anthony Kiedis met and became best friends while attending high school together in Los Angeles.

What Charitable Organization Did Flea Co-found To Provide Music Education To Underprivileged Children?

Flea co-founded the Silverlake Conservatory of Music to provide music education to underprivileged children.

Besides Being A Bassist, What Other Musical Instruments Can Flea Play?

In addition to playing bass, Flea is a talented trumpet player and pianist.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Flea, whose real name is Michael Peter Balzary, is an extraordinary musician known for his significant contributions to the world of music as the bassist of the iconic rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. His journey from a hyperactive child to a global rock star has been nothing short of remarkable.
Flea's friendship and collaboration with Anthony Kiedis played a pivotal role in the formation and success of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Together, they created a unique fusion of rock, funk, and punk, which became the signature sound of the band, captivating audiences worldwide.
Beyond his musical talent, Flea is a multifaceted individual with a passion for philanthropy, environmental causes, and animal rights. He actively supports charitable organizations, and his co-founding of the Silverlake Conservatory of Music demonstrates his commitment to providing musical education to underprivileged children.
Flea's dynamic stage presence, trademark barefoot performances, and energetic playing style have made him an influential and beloved figure in the music industry. Despite his fame, he remains down-to-earth, valuing the importance of family, close friendships, and genuine connections in life.
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Alex Mercer

Alex Mercer

Author
Alex Mercer is a seasoned author and analyst specializing in wealth research, with a keen focus on evaluating the net worth of individuals across various industries. With over a decade of experience in financial analysis and wealth assessment, Alex has developed a nuanced understanding of the factors that contribute to an individual's financial status, from investments and assets to market trends and economic policies. His work involves in-depth reviews and analyses, providing insightful observations on wealth accumulation, management strategies, and the socio-economic implications of wealth distribution. Throughout his career, Alex has become known for his ability to distill complex financial data into understandable and engaging narratives, making the subject of wealth and net worth accessible to a broad audience. His expertise is not just in numbers but in telling the stories behind them, highlighting the journeys, strategies, and decisions that lead to financial success or challenges. Alex's contributions to the field of wealth research are valuable resources for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of wealth in today's world, offering a unique perspective that bridges the gap between financial analysis and human interest.
Nathanial Blackwood

Nathanial Blackwood

Reviewer
Nathanial (Nate) Blackwood is a distinguished financial journalist with a decade of experience in net worth analysis. He holds an Economics degree from the University of Finance and a Data Analysis certification, enabling him to blend thorough insights with engaging storytelling. Nate is known for making complex financial information accessible to a wide audience, earning acclaim for his precise and reader-friendly analyses. Beyond his writing, Nate is dedicated to financial literacy, actively participating in educational forums and workshops. He is the founder of PureNetWealth, a platform that demystifies the financial achievements of public figures by exploring the strategies and decisions behind their fortunes. Nate's work bridges the gap between intricate economic concepts and the general public, inspiring a deeper understanding of wealth dynamics. Follow Nathanial Blackwood for essential insights into the financial narratives shaping our world.
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