“I Dropped Out of High School to Pursue My Dream of Being a Rock Star”: American Singer Anthony Kiedis Shares Strong, Emotional Message as He Celebrates Forty Years in Music
In an emotional and heartfelt message that has touched millions of fans around the world, **Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis** has opened up about the pivotal moment that shaped his life and career: dropping out of high school to follow his dream of becoming a rock star. As Kiedis celebrates an extraordinary **40 years in music**, the legendary singer took time to reflect on the path that led him from the streets of Los Angeles to global superstardom.
> “I dropped out of Fairfax High at 17,” Kiedis revealed in a video shared on social media. “People said I was throwing my life away. But deep down, I knew my life was just beginning. I was chasing something bigger than school — I was chasing freedom, creativity, and truth.”
### From Hollywood Misfit to Rock Icon
Born in Michigan and raised in Los Angeles, Anthony Kiedis grew up surrounded by the chaos and creativity of the Hollywood scene. His father, Blackie Dammett, was an actor with ties to the counterculture of the 1970s, and Kiedis was exposed early on to music, art, and rebellion. It was during those years that he met **Flea** (Michael Balzary), and the two would form an unbreakable bond — one that would eventually become the foundation of the **Red Hot Chili Peppers**.
Kiedis’ decision to drop out of high school wasn’t just about skipping class — it was a leap of faith into the unknown.
> “I didn’t know where music would take me,” Kiedis admitted. “But I knew I had to live it. I had to feel every note, every mistake, every joy and heartbreak that came with being in a band.”
### A Career of Highs, Lows, and Unshakable Spirit
Over four decades, Anthony Kiedis has helped lead the Red Hot Chili Peppers to incredible heights: selling over **100 million records**, earning **six Grammy Awards**, and performing in sold-out stadiums around the world. But his journey hasn’t been without pain — from battles with addiction to the loss of bandmates and friends, Kiedis has weathered every storm with honesty and resilience.
> “The music saved me,” he said. “Every time I thought I was lost, the band, the fans, the stage — they pulled me back in.”
### A Message to the Next Generation
In his message, Kiedis encouraged young artists and dreamers to stay true to themselves — even when the path looks uncertain.
> “Don’t be afraid to take the hard road. Sometimes the things that scare you the most are the things that will set you free.”
### Looking Ahead
Though the Red Hot Chili Peppers have recently announced their **final world tour, “Chili Last Ride,”** Kiedis confirmed he isn’t retiring from music. He hinted at future solo projects, writing a second memoir, and mentoring young musicians.
### Final Thoughts
Anthony Kiedis’ story is a powerful reminder that **success doesn’t always follow a straight line — and sometimes, chasing a wild dream can lead you to exactly where you belong**. Forty years later, the kid who dropped out of high school to chase a feeling has become one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history.
