Red Hot Chili Peppers performed “Fire” in honor of late guitarist Hillel Slovak on the 29th anniversary of his passing on Monday in Grand Rapids, with original drummer Jack Irons reuniting with the band to play drums for the performance.
Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis discussed drugs and Hillel Slovak in a Finnish interview with ILE last year. Alternative Nation translated Kiedis’ quotes, so they should be taken as paraphrases.
“It is definitely part of my psyche. I have been clean for a long time, but drugs are still a part of me.”
“I’m working on tour. Focused. I have to do it. What is more difficult is than the tour is when I return home. Then I’m in isolation. And worst of all, I have a free time. Then I have be careful.”
He also reflected on Hillel Slovak, who died in 1988 from a heroin overdose.
“When we returned home to Los Angeles, Hillel considered his future: moving a little to my way of life, or taking the more dangerous road. We do not realize how deadly certain drugs can be. In some cases, one try is enough.
“I still miss him. On the other hand the tour had gone well, and it left him a beautiful memory.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMWpe5i1mRg&feature=youtu.be
