(Artist Report)

Written by: Cody Denning 

Flea just pulled the trigger on something we’ve all been waiting for without even knowing we were waiting! We are talking about his first proper full-length solo album. Titled Honora, the record is set for release on March 27, 2026, through Nonesuch Records, and it’s shaping up to be a deep, jazz-rooted departure from the Red Hot Chili Peppers catalog.

The 63-year-old bassist (born Michael Balzary) steps front and center here, handling bass, trumpet, and lead vocals across ten tracks that mix originals with reimagined covers. Among the standout reinterpretations are, George Clinton and Eddie Hazel’s “Maggot Brain,” Jimmy Webb’s “Wichita Lineman,” Frank Ocean and Shea Taylor’s “Thinkin Bout You,” and Ann Ronell’s “Willow Weep For Me.” The guest list is ridiculous! Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Nick Cave both lend their voices, bringing serious weight to the project.

Yorke, reuniting with Flea after their “Atoms for Peace” days, co-wrote and sings on the lead single “Traffic Lights” alongside producer/saxophonist Josh Johnson.
Rounding out the lineup are heavy hitters like guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), bassist Anna Butterss, drummer Deantoni Parks, trombonist Vikram Devasthali, saxophonist Rickey Washington, vocalist Chris Warren, percussionist Mauro Refosco, and Bright Eyes’ Nate Walcott.

“Traffic Lights” hit streaming platforms on January 14, 2026, giving fans the first real taste of the album’s airy, improvisational feel. It came on the heels of the December 2025 teaser “A Plea.” Flea has framed the whole thing as a return to his earliest musical loves—jazz and trumpet, instruments he picked up long before the bass became his signature weapon.
Backing the release, he’s lined up a run of intimate, vibe-matching shows across North America, the UK, and Europe. You can find the full tour itinerary and confirmed dates, head to the official announcement on Nonesuch Records’ site or Flea’s social channels.

Tickets drop January 24, 2026, with fan pre-sales kicking off earlier. All of this arrives while the Chili Peppers keep their own machine rolling, however, Honora stands as clear proof of Flea’s range and his refusal to stay boxed in.

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