How Red Hot Chili Peppers Bassist Flea Turned The Other Cheek With Fox News
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has been repeatedly bashed by Fox News co-host Greg Gutfeld, who slammed the band several times in the past. After seeing the video with Koko the Gorilla strumming Flea’s base, the Fox journalist made a rather rude quip, as quoted by Blabbermouth.
“This is a vast improvement over the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the worst band on the planet.”
The Red Hot Chili Peppers did not respond to the slanted critique, leaving the whole situation alone. None of the band felt it necessary to take up the argument.
The Fox News co-host, not satisfied with his little jab and perhaps trying to provoke a response, took up the comment again a few days later. Perhaps some fans were expecting an apology, but what they got instead were just more insults.
“What I meant to say was the Red Hot Chili Peppers (are) the worst band in the universe. I’d like to apologize for that confusion.”
Finally, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea, the bass player for the band, was asked what he thought of Greg Gutfeld’s remarks during an interview with NIE. Blabbermouth reported his reply.
“I remember seeing a poll recently that said people who watch Fox News knew less about world affairs than people who watch no news at all. It’s clearly a funny (program). It doesn’t faze me, not really. I heard that. It’s funny. I don’t care. They’re all welcome to hate us. God bless ’em.”
Red Hot Chili Peppers could have taken the defensive, and Flea could have argued with Greg Gutfeld’s remarks, but why bother? Gutfeld was just trying to make a joke. It didn’t land very well, but he was trying. Flea said it was funny. He made a very slight inference at Fox, based on a poll that documented his slight argument, but said nothing to defend the musical skills of the band.
Flea could have explained that RHCP had one of the most recognized guitar geniuses in the world in John Frusciante, who quit the band in 2009. Flea could have referred Greg Gutfeld to a recent review of John’s solo work in Alternative Nation, a publication that does know a bit about music.
The site explained Frusciante’s talent this way.
“John Frusciante rose the ranks to be revered as not only one of the greatest guitarists of a generation but as one of the greatest rock guitarists period. Combining Hendrix-influenced chops with a Beatles-esquesense of melody, Frusciante lead the Chili Peppers’ ascent to a whole new level of critical and commercial success.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K23sdTKZQFA
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea could have explained that their record sales are through the roof, that they are popular on social media, or that they have managed to stay current and relevant in the music world for nearly three decades. Instead, though, Flea basically took the high road. He stayed cool about the whole thing and didn’t take the bait.
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Fox News co-host Greg Gutfeld probably doesn’t read guitar magazines or view trendy websites that might inform him about musical talent, though. It is hard to imagine Gutfeld playing guitar or bass either, at least not any better than Koko. Although perhaps he might have hidden talent, but that is beside the point. The point is, though, that sometimes people just have to pick their battles and accept that not everyone is going to like what they do, no matter how great they are at their job.
Perhaps Flea has the best strategy to just turn the other cheek. Let monkeys play your bass and allow comedic critics who don’t have a clue to remain clueless and think they are clever. After all, Greg Gutfeld was just trying to be funny, and that is what he does. Some people find him funny.
Red Hot Chili Peppers fans might not get Fox News host Greg Gutfeld’s joke any more than Gutfeld appreciates RHCP music, but Flea isn’t worried about it.
[Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images]
