Flea Makes Solo Billboard Chart Debut With 'Honora' Album

The Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist's first solo jazz project lands on multiple Billboard charts.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:51pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of the strings and hardware of a bass guitar, captured in high-contrast studio lighting to create a glitzy, high-fashion aesthetic focused on the material textures.The textural details of Flea's bass guitar strings shine in a dramatic close-up, hinting at the jazz virtuosity behind his solo debut album.Chicago Today

Flea, the longtime bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has made his solo Billboard chart debut with the release of his first solo album, 'Honora.' The jazz project has landed on several Billboard charts, including reaching the top 10 on the Jazz Albums and Contemporary Jazz Albums charts.

Why it matters

Flea's solo debut marks a significant milestone in his storied music career, showcasing his talents beyond his work with the iconic rock band. The success of 'Honora' on the Billboard charts demonstrates Flea's versatility as an artist and his ability to connect with audiences through different musical genres.

The details

Honora, which features guest vocals from Nick Cave and Radiohead's Thom Yorke, is the highest debut of 2026 so far on both the Jazz Albums and Contemporary Jazz Albums charts. Flea plays bass and trumpet throughout the album, which he has been working on for over two decades, having grown up listening to jazz music from the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Miles Davis.

  • Honora was released on April 8, 2026.
  • Flea will begin touring in support of the album on May 7, 2026, with dates scheduled through July 11, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The players

Flea

The longtime bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who has now released his first solo jazz album, 'Honora.'

Nick Cave

The Australian musician who provides guest vocals on a cover of the Jimmy Webb-penned song 'Wichita Lineman' on Flea's 'Honora' album.

Thom Yorke

The lead singer of Radiohead, who provides guest vocals on the new original song 'Traffic Lights' on Flea's 'Honora' album.

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What they’re saying

“When I was a kid, I wanted to be a jazz trumpet player. I wanted to be Dizzy Gillespie.”

— Flea

What’s next

Flea will bring the 'Honora' album on the road beginning on May 7, 2026 in Chicago, with tour dates lined up through July 11, 2026 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The takeaway

Flea's solo debut 'Honora' showcases his versatility as an artist, allowing him to explore his lifelong passion for jazz music beyond his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The album's success on the Billboard charts demonstrates Flea's ability to connect with audiences through different musical styles and genres.