Flea has released his new single, “A Plea,” that is set to appear on a new album arriving in 2026 on Nonesuch Records.
“A Plea” is a long, stern reminder to remember your humanity in these difficult times. The briskly-paced track features Flea on trump, electric bass, and vocals, tackling complex topics like societal divisiveness in a style of singing that’s practically him delivering a speech.
Flea is joined on the track by guitarist Jeff Parker, drummer Deantoni Parks, double bassist Anna Butterss, percussionist Mauro Refosco, trombonist Vikram Devasthali, alto flutist Rickey Washington, vocalist Chris Warren, and producer/saxophonist Josh Johnson.
The accompanying video for “A Plea,” directed by Clara Balzary, features Flea dancing around like a madman possessed by the message he has to deliver. First, he gets on all fours like he’s a canine, then he’s joined by a group of kids to exude all of his energy. It’s a chilling scene thanks to him performing lines like “My blood runs cold, I feel hate all around. There’s never been a solution” while surrounded.
In a press release, Flea said the song’s lyrics come from “yearning for a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself.” He continued, “I don’t care about the act of politics. I think there is a much more transcendent place above it where there’s discourse to be had that can actually help humanity, and actually help us all to live harmoniously and productively in a way that’s healthy for the world. There’s a place where we meet, and it’s love.”
Further details of the album will be announced in early 2026, but it’s described as Flea “returning to his first instrument and musical love, the trumpet,” alongside “a dream band of modern jazz visionaries.”
In March, Nick Cave broke the news that he contributed to a “trumpet record” that was made by Flea, describing the collaboration as a “reconciliation and an apology” for what he’s said in the past about the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
