Ex-Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist launches GoFundMe
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Arik Marshall, who played with the band from 1992 to 1993, has launched a GoFundMe campaign seeking financial help. The musician says he is facing eviction and fears becoming homeless.
The campaign outlines the hardships that have pushed Marshall into financial distress, citing the loss of his main source of income and ongoing health issues.
“Arik Marshall, musician/artist, best known as one of the former guitarists for the Red Hot Chili Peppers and vocalist Macy Gray, is facing eviction and possible homelessness,” the GoFundMe statement reads. “His employer (and best friend), whom Arik had worked with on both musical and cinematic endeavors for close to 14 years, was tragically killed by the LAPD. The loss left Arik without his best friend and without his primary source of employment/income.”
“During this difficult time, which was already impacted by the Covid pandemic leaving most musicians struggling to get by financially, Arik was also diagnosed with a serious health condition which left him with a weakened immune system,” the statement continued. “All of this triggered a bad period of depression and several years of reclusiveness. Arik struggled to find consistent work and fell deeper in debt to his landlord.
Arik Marshall’s campaign seeks $20,000
The campaign further states, “We ask you to please make any donation you can afford to help Arik resolve his debt to his landlord and avoid living on the streets. Arik has been focusing on his overall health and he is doing much better. He is consistently looking for steady work and he is also available for guitar lessons. We hope this reaches Arik’s peers who have worked with him in the music industry, anyone with a platform that can make a difference by simply sharing this and anyone who can contribute from the heart.”
The statement concludes: “The life of a musician is an often uncertain, unstable and unpredictable path, particularly now, when those who play their instrument from the heart are in such less demand than in days of yore, but with your kindness and contribution, Arik is hoping he can ‘right the ship’ in this trying time of stormy seas.”
Marshall’s GoFundMe is seeking at least $20,000 in donations. As of writing this, it has so far raised a little over $4,500. Anthony Kiedis recently discussed Arik Marshall’s brief stint in RHCP after John Frusciante’s departure, and how he joined the band on their 1992 Lollapalooza tour with Pearl Jam and Soundgarden. Kiedis said RHCP ultimately wanted to find somebody close to their circle as new permanent guitarist, so they hired Dave Navarro.
