Anthony Kiedis on Under the Bridge, Rick Rubin, and Addiction

Anthony sitting here looking like he's dressed up as Anthony for Halloween

For those that aren't very familiar with the Red Hot Chili Peppers background, the "best friend" that Anthony is talking about who died from a drug overdose was founding guitarist of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hillel Slovak. The guitarist who replaced him, John Frusciante, almost suffered the same fate after becoming a heroin addict and leaving the band after their breakthrough album 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik'. Next year will mark the band's 40th anniversary which is an incredible achievement when you look at all of the personal, professional and cultural changes that they've endured throughout the decades.

I read his book and he had more than just drug troubles, lies and loss and suicidal ideation and heartbreak after heartbreak. Welcome back to the world, Anthony Kiedis.

My dad battled an addiction at a very very young age. He loved guitar,music and listening to meaning. He had me listen to “Under the Bridge” at a fairly young age (12-13)and taught me to listen to what was being said,not just sing or like the beat but really take it in. I’ve had such a great appreciation for music bc of my dad. He would have me listen to a couple verses then stop it and ask me about what I thought it meant and then he would tell me what it was while again digging into what’s being said. He passed at 48 and back when “Other side”came out it was a song we both loved right away. Anytime I hear it I cry, few songs that do that to me. From Red Hot Chili Peppers to Janis Joplin to Peter Frampton to Creed I mean all over the place. Love ya Dad 💚

Addiction almost ruined my life. This song, i'm picking on guitar today, feeling it with every bit of my soul. Sober two years now. Thanks Anthony

Read his book when I was in prison. I’m in recovery and the way he tells his story about addiction is so accurate. I have a lot of admiration for him and everything he overcame all whilst dealing with stardom

That song under the bridge transcends to people going through different trials addictions, homelessness, depression, anxiety, loneliness such a beautiful song

Anthony Kiedis is fascinating. The way he describes things is heavenly. Please have him on again!

I’m a Chicano that lives in LA I can vouch for what Anthony said. I’ve witnessed Under the Bridge being played at gangster parties in LA and everyone just vibes to it, and possibly even sing along. I think it helps that RHCP rep LA and California so much, there’s that connection with them. Under the Bridge is such a classic!

I waited for this podcast forever. This song and many others helped me understand my parents addiction. As a child, had I not had this music in my life, I would have thought I was doing something wrong, that their addiction was my fault. This song is so beautiful and sad, so true and heart breaking, so raw and real. I’m forever grateful for RHCP. Under The Bridge, Scar Tissue…and many more of their songs touched me at a young age, I’m talking as young as 8 years old. I’m getting “I’ll make it to the moon if I have to crawl” tattooed on me as a constant reminder that the struggles and trauma I lived through made me strong. RHCP opened my eyes to my parents choosing drugs over me and the pain I felt is so understood and heard when I listen ❤❤❤ THANK YOU for saving my life.

His description of his descent into addiction is much appreciated. As a recovering addict hearing such a famous person speak in such a humble manor helps those struggling more than he knows. And the one in 30 success rate is on point. Usually less. Thank you Anthony

Anthony's description of drug use and addiction is so unique in comparison to most other celebrities and rock stars. No glamorizing or self pity. Just a plethora of adjectives and phrases spawned from blatant honesty, a humble perspective, and an education from life never to be learned in any school. I'm glad he took that opportunity to make it back...and the rest of the band as well. ~correction: R.I.P. Hillel~

Shit just hits me different. Back in 2010-2012 I was strung out on 110mg of methadone ,4-8+mg xanax a day, among other crap while sleeping under the FDR betweeen the Manhattan & Brooklyn bridge for 2years. After a 2nd seizure I finally decided to give up and ask for some genuine help. 7+ years sober now. but everytime I hear 🎶"Under the bridge downtowwwn /is where I drew some blood" 🎶 just instant chills. Nothing but gratitude my brother. Thank you

The honesty of Anthony Kiedis when he explains his addiction. Nothing but respect

I am so proud of you Anthony!!!! I went through rehab 15 years ago in Pontiac Michigan.. I saw many people go back out and not make it.. I was one of the 30 who survived as well.. Godbless you and thankyou for all the great music..

“It was a little gift from the cosmos“ I truly felt that! Looking back after years of beating the demons of addiction, I could not better explain it than with that phrase 🙏

How did we as a civilisation survive with sterile chat shows? Watching Anthony being so honest and unguarded on joes’ podcast is beautiful.

Hearing Anthony’s story about sobriety is very inspirational. I needed this thank you.

I didn’t realize how important the Chili Peppers were or influenced me until my aunt passed away recently, can’t stop, under the bridge, scar tissue, Otherside and their whole discography hits different since she passed, long live the Chili Peppers, your music is super important to me and a lot of people, much love Anthony!

Anybody who has struggled with addiction understands the beauty of really knowing what under the bridge, scar tissue and so many more have done for us. Through fighting his demons Anthony had given us gifts