Flea is among the musicians mourning the loss of Brian Wilson and Sly Stone, two popular music titans who died just days apart earlier this week.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist took to Instagram on Thursday, June 12, to pay tribute to the two legendary musicians in an emotional video clip.
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“Yesterday I listened to Sly Stone all day long. Today I am listening to Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys,” Flea said in the video. “Two of our most deep, beautiful artists have left us in two days. The guys that made music from the ‘50s onward. Most beautiful. By the accounts that we are aware of, both troubled. The cruelty of the world was a lot for them to bear, I think for both of them as it is for all of us now,” he added.
“They were able to take all that energy and turn it into light, into the most beautiful thing. Only light can drive out darkness. And in our troubled world, we listened to them, I listened to them, and we are together. What they did is the most profound, important thing to bring light into our world, into our troubled, cruel world, and [I’m] very grateful to both of them for changing my life, for giving me hope,” he continued. “For making me feel like I could belong somewhere. Build a bridge, shine a light. That’s the only way.”
In the clip, Flea is wearing a white tank top with two gold chains around his neck. His hair is dyed green.
Related: ’80s Music Icons Mourn Beach Boys Mastermind Brian Wilson
The veteran musician is no stranger to paying tribute to musical icons. He sports a tattoo of Jimi Hendrix on his left arm and the Chili Peppers have recorded a cover of his classic “Fire,” as well as Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground.” Flea performed the latter song with Wonder and Sting at the Fire Aid concerts earlier this year.
Among those to comment on Flea’s video was Brian Wilson’s daughter, Carnie Wilson. “I just can’t thank you enough for your words thank you darling,” she posted.
Fellow bassist Nathan East, who’s currently on tour with Eric Clapton, also chimed in. “Amen Brother!!🙏🏽🙏🏽,” he posted.
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