By Kreig Marks, October 2025

 

Kreig: Chad, let’s talk about the Red Hot Chili Peppers' comeback album. You’ve been at this for decades, yet here you are, still kicking ass. What’s your secret?

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Chad Smith: Oh, Kreig, it's simple, really. Just a combination of not getting enough sleep, a diet consisting mostly of coffee and mystery snacks I find backstage, and pure denial. Also, maybe the occasional "Yeah, I guess we’re still doing this" pep talk. That helps.

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Kreig:  Mystery snacks, huh? Do you know what they are, or is it more of a surprise every time?

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Chad Smith: Honestly, it’s better that way. I used to have a theory about it, but then I realized... It’s like life itself: a mystery. Sometimes it’s a granola bar, sometimes it’s a hot dog. You just roll with it.

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Kreig: Sounds like a true gourmet. Moving on to the album, I hear you’re experimenting with some new sounds. Are you guys going for the “psychedelic synth jazz-metal fusion” vibe that’s taking over in 2025?

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Chad Smith: Oh, you know it. This time, we added a theremin. A lot of theremin. And some laser beams. We’ve really gone deep into the future, and by that, I mean we threw everything into a blender and hit ‘puree.’ It’s not a genre, it’s a lifestyle.

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Kreig: A theremin, huh? Are you guys planning to have one on stage for live shows?

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Chad Smith: If the thing doesn’t malfunction and zap us into another dimension, sure. We’re all about that unpredictable vibe. Plus, there’s nothing like watching people try to figure out if we’re just pretending to play it. Spoiler alert: we are.

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Kreig: Speaking of live shows, I’m guessing you still do that “awkward but charming” stage banter. How much has that evolved over the years?

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Chad Smith: Oh, I’ve perfected the awkwardness. It’s a fine art now. At this point, I just go up there, mumble something about how we’re happy to be in whatever city we’re in, and then awkwardly stare at the crowd while I drum. They love it, though. They’re like, “Wow, he’s so genuine.” It’s truly the greatest performance of my life.

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Kreig: So, your new album is dropping in the age of TikTok and Instagram Reels. How does that change the way you approach promotion?

 

Chad Smith: Oh, you mean I’m supposed to care about that stuff now? Who knew? But honestly, we’ve been so focused on making music that we’re just now figuring out how to do this whole ‘internet promotion’ thing. Last time I checked, TikTok was still something you did with your feet while holding a sandwich. But now, we’re all over it, well, mostly. I think I have a TikTok account… maybe.

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Kreig: So, are we gonna see you on TikTok, doing a viral dance challenge with Flea?

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Chad Smith: Sure, let’s make that a thing. I’ve got the moves, and Flea definitely has the... personality. You put the two of us together, and we’ll break the internet. Probably in a bad way, but that’s the kind of attention I’m here for.

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Kreig: Let’s talk about the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ relationship with technology. You guys were rocking out before social media, but now, it’s all digital. How do you feel about that?

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Chad Smith: Ah, the good ol’ days of no Wi-Fi, no social media, just a pager and a phone booth to find a pizza place. There was an innocence to it. Now, everything is so ‘instant’, we can’t even finish a song before someone’s already uploaded a clip of us playing it badly. But hey, at least it gives us something to laugh about at 2 a.m. on the tour bus.

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Kreig: Given the constant pressure to stay ‘relevant,’ have you ever thought about just pulling a David Bowie and reinventing yourselves as something totally different?

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Chad Smith: Oh, 100%. I mean, we’re constantly evolving. One day, we’re a funk rock band, the next, we’re a psych-fusion metal pop group. Who knows? By 2026, we could all be wearing tutus and playing banjos for all I care. The key is to keep people guessing. If you get too comfortable, they’ll catch on to your “thing,” and then where’s the fun in that?

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Kreig: Ah, the art of keeping people on their toes. But, uh, let’s talk about that time you accidentally wore the same pants as Flea. How did you recover from that wardrobe malfunction?

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Chad Smith: That was rough. It was like a battle of the bands, but in skinny jeans. We had to have a quick wardrobe intervention backstage. Flea was like, “Well, I’m keeping these on. You figure it out.” Classic Flea move. I ended up with a spare pair of pants that were 20 sizes too big, and somehow, it worked. The key is in confidence. Also, never look down.

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Kreig: Now that you mention it, I’ve noticed that Flea has this... unique fashion sense. Who’s the bigger fashion icon, Flea or you?

 

Chad Smith: Oh, Flea’s the king of fashion. He doesn’t even think about it. He just walks out wearing whatever the universe tells him to. Me? I’m lucky if I remember to match my socks. I’d say I’m more of a ‘functional fashion’ kind of guy. Like, does it have pockets? Yes? Great, I’ll wear it.

 

Kreig: Fair enough. Let’s talk about the fans. In 2025, I’m sure you’re getting a mix of younger fans and long-time followers. How does that feel?

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Chad Smith: It’s wild. We’ve got fans who were born after Californication came out, which makes me feel old, but in a good way, you know? It’s like we’ve bridged generations. One day, they’re screaming for “By The Way,” and the next, they’re all hyped for the new stuff. It’s a beautiful chaos, and I’m here for it.

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Kreig:  My wife and I recently saw Spinal Tap 2.  You made a cameo in that, along with Lars Ulrich.  That must have been a blast with all those guys.  The move was a riot and equally as fun as the first.  What was that like?

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Chad Smith:  It was a lot of fun.  I remember seeing the first Spinal Tap years ago, and now being able to be a part of that, even though it was a small part, it was a blast.  Let me tell you, the movie definitely portrays the rock 'n roll business perfectly.  They nailed it again. 

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Kreig: You’ve had quite a career, but what’s the one moment, so far, that’s made you say, “Yep, I’ve made it”?

 

Chad Smith: Oh, definitely when my mom finally understood what I did for a living. She used to think I was just playing ‘the drums’ for some guys. When she finally saw us perform at Madison Square Garden and she realized I was, like, in a real band, that was the moment. That, and when I got a personal high-five from the Taco Bell mascot. Truly, the pinnacle.

 

Kreig: Last question: if the Red Hot Chili Peppers ever had to go on a hiatus and you had to find another gig, what’s your backup plan?

 

Chad Smith: Easy. I’ll start a podcast where I only talk about snacks. Or I’ll open a petting zoo. I’ve always wanted to hang out with goats for a living. Or maybe just run a drum school where we only teach “the art of the chaotic groove.” I’m pretty sure it’d be a hit. Who wouldn’t want to learn that?

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Kreig: Well, Chad, I do not doubt that if you did any of that, it would probably be the coolest petting zoo the world's ever seen. Thanks for the chat.

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Chad Smith: Anytime. And if you ever need a goat-related business partner, you know where to find me.