Anthony Kiedis

Vocalist Anthony Kiedis went from playing Sylvester Stallone's son in the movie F.I.S.T. to becoming one of the most influential artists in the alternative rock boom of the early '90s. As the frontman for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiedis has inspired a generation of musicians with a hankering for both punk and funk; however, the maturation of Kiedis' songwriting -- from the goofy party music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers' early albums to the group's reflective commercial breakthrough "Under the Bridge" -- is one of rock's biggest surprises. Kiedis was born in Grand Rapids, MI, on November 1, 1962. After his parents divorced, 11-year-old Kiedis moved with his father to Los Angeles. Kiedis spent much of his youth listening to Sly Stone, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, and Stevie Wonder, artists who would eventually shape the Red Hot Chili Peppers' sound. During the '80s, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of America's most popular cult bands. When guitarist Hillel Slovak died of a drug overdose in 1988, Kiedis started questioning his own indulgence in narcotics. Kiedis participated in Trip on This, an anti-drug video with Jane's Addiction and the Beastie Boys, in 1992. In addition to his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kiedis has acted as well, appearing in movies such as The Chase, Point Break, and Tough Guys. ~ Michael Sutton, All Music Guide