An open letter: Anthony Kiedis Pens Emotional Open Letter to Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fans: “It’s Time to Let the Music Rest” Titled “To My Brothers, to the Fans, and to the Funk That Made Us Free,” the letter reflects on his remarkable journey with the Chili Peppers — a band he co-founded in 1983 that would go on to become one of the most influential rock acts in history.
In a heartfelt and deeply personal announcement that has sent shockwaves through the global music community, Anthony Kiedis, frontman and lyrical soul of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has officially announced that he will be retiring from music at age 62. In an open letter shared on the band’s official website and social media accounts this morning, Kiedis expressed gratitude, nostalgia, and emotional closure after more than four decades of shaping rock history.
Titled “To My Brothers, to the Fans, and to the Funk That Made Us Free,” the letter reflects on his remarkable journey with the Chili Peppers — a band he co-founded in 1983 that would go on to become one of the most influential rock acts in history.
A Farewell from the Heart
In his opening words, Kiedis wrote:
“It’s been 43 years of sound, sweat, and love — a lifetime of music that’s given me everything and taken me everywhere. But the time has come for me to step away, to find stillness in a world that’s always been loud. I am retiring from music, with peace in my heart and gratitude beyond words.”
Kiedis’ message carried an unmistakable tone of finality, but also of serenity. He spoke of a growing desire for a quieter life away from the spotlight — a stark contrast to the energetic and explosive presence he’s maintained on stage for decades.
“I’ve lived on stage more than I’ve lived anywhere else,” he continued. “But lately, I’ve felt the pull of silence, of nature, of the simple joy of waking up and not chasing the next song. My voice has told stories for most of my life — now it’s time to listen to the world around me.”
Tribute to His Bandmates
Kiedis devoted a large portion of his letter to expressing love and admiration for his bandmates — Flea, Chad Smith, and John Frusciante — referring to them as “brothers in rhythm, melody, and madness.”
“Flea has been my heart since day one — a spirit unlike any other, always chasing the groove and the truth. John’s guitar painted the colors of our souls, and Chad kept us grounded when the sky was falling. We built something together that can’t ever be undone.”
The singer hinted that while his personal chapter in the Chili Peppers’ story may be closing, the band’s legacy — and possibly even its future — remains open.
“The music we made belongs to everyone now. Whether the band continues or rests, I know that the Red Hot Chili Peppers will live on forever in the songs, the hearts, and the memories we’ve shared.”
A Message to the Fans
Perhaps the most moving section of Kiedis’ letter was his message to the fans — generations of listeners who have grown up with the Chili Peppers’ unmistakable fusion of funk, punk, and emotional honesty.
“To every person who ever danced, cried, or sang along with us — thank you. You’ve been the real reason we’ve kept going. Your energy carried us through every tour, every heartbreak, every album. I’ve seen your faces in every corner of the world, and you’ve all been family to me.”
He went on to describe the emotional bond between the band and its fans as “a sacred exchange of energy and love.”
“I’ve always believed music is medicine,” Kiedis wrote. “You’ve been my cure more times than you’ll ever know.”
Reflecting on the Journey
Anthony Kiedis first stepped onto the Los Angeles music scene in the early 1980s with Flea, Hillel Slovak, and Jack Irons, forming what would become the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Over the years, the band’s sound evolved from raw funk-punk to a more melodic and introspective rock style, defined by albums like Blood Sugar Sex Magik (1991), Californication (1999), and Stadium Arcadium (2006).
In his letter, Kiedis reflected on that journey with humility and awe:
“We started with nothing but a dream and a beat — and somehow, it became the soundtrack of people’s lives. From tiny clubs in Hollywood to stadiums around the world, every moment felt like a miracle.”
He also acknowledged the band’s challenges — from personal struggles and lineup changes to the loss of friends — emphasizing how those experiences shaped his music and spirit.
“Pain and beauty have always danced together in our story,” he wrote. “But that’s where the truth lives. Every scar, every note, every night under the lights — it all meant something.”
Looking Forward
In closing, Kiedis hinted at what might come next — though not in the musical sense.
“I don’t know what the next chapter looks like,” he admitted. “Maybe I’ll write, maybe I’ll wander, maybe I’ll just be. But whatever happens, know that the love you gave me will echo in everything I do.”
He ended his letter with a simple, powerful sign-off:
“Forever grateful. Forever Red Hot.
— Anthony.”
End of an Era
The news of Kiedis’ retirement marks a bittersweet moment for fans around the globe. While the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ legacy will continue to burn bright — with their timeless catalog and influence spanning generations — it’s hard to imagine the band without the poetic intensity and spiritual presence of its frontman.
As the music world reflects on his incredible contribution, one thing is certain: Anthony Kiedis’ words, voice, and energy will remain immortal — woven into the rhythm of rock history.
After four decades of “funk, fire, and soul,” the man who taught the world to “give it away” is finally giving himself the gift of peace.
