Anthony Kiedis was photographed hugging former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist DeWayne “Blackbyrd” McKnight backstage at a show in Australia. He was a member of The Headhunters, a jazz-funk fusion band from 1975 through 1978 and Parliament-Funkadelic from 1978 though 2008. He served briefly as guitarist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers after the death of Hillel Slovak in 1988 though was quickly replaced by John Frusciante. He also played briefly with Miles Davis in 1986.
McKnight only played three or four shows with the Chili Peppers, and was reportedly dismissed due to a lack of musical chemistry. He was supposedly so agitated by this, he threatened to burn down Anthony Kiedis’ house. He did work with the band a bit in the studio, recording Blues for Meister, which was later released in 1994 on the Out in L.A. compilation.
McKnight was asked about his brief RHCP tenure in a NAFME interview.
He was asked, “You have performed on recordings that have influenced countless musical acts such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers to the hip hop samplings of Dr. Dre. What are your thoughts?”
He responded, “Well again, that’s the get off. When I started playing music, I did it to become a great musician, get fame and all of that. It is obviously a great honor to have influenced anyone. Part of the reason of picking up an instrument is to reach as many people as I can through my craft, and I hope I am achieving this. Having said all that, I still have only to grow.”
