The band’s statement revolved on correcting misconceptions about their role in the documentary. It highlighted that the film is primarily about founding member Hillel Slovak.
“Dear people of the universe, about a year ago, we were asked to be interviewed for a documentary about Hillel Slovak,” the band said.
“He was a founding member of the group, a great guitarist and friend. We agreed to be interviewed out of love and respect for Hillel and his memory.”
The statement continued to address the marketing concerns surrounding the documentary.
“However, this documentary is now being advertised as a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary, which it is not,” they explained. “We had nothing to do with it creatively. We have yet to make a Red Hot Chili Peppers documentary.”
“The central subject of this current Netflix special is Hillel Slovak and we hope it sparks interest in him and his work,” the band concluded.
Netflix prepares to release the documentary. The band says it has been misrepresented in its promotional materials.
Slovak was the original guitarist and one of the founding members of the band, helping shape the band’s blend of funk, punk, rock, and experimental styles. His guitar work, rooted in funk and hard rock with touches of reggae and more, was a key part of the band’s early sound and influenced younger guitarists — including John Frusciante, who would go on to replace him after his passing.
