Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea has released his first-ever solo single, "A Plea," an expansive nearly eight-minute free jazz/spoken word jam. The track, which dropped on Tuesday morning (Dec. 2), delivers a straightforward message of "live for peace, live for love," a heartfelt appeal that emerges more than five minutes into the song. This single offers the initial glimpse into Flea's forthcoming, as yet untitled, debut full-length solo album, slated for release next year on Nonesuch Records.

While Flea is widely recognized for his iconic bass playing with the Red Hot Chili Peppers since 1982, his solo project sees him returning to his foundational instrument, the trumpet. The upcoming album is described as featuring a "dream band of modern jazz visionaries," with further details regarding guests and the tracklist expected early next year. "A Plea" itself showcases Flea on electric bass, trumpet, and Gil Scott-Heron-like spoken word vocals. Lyrically, the song tackles provocative themes, expressing frustration with political divisiveness ("I don't care about your f–king politics") and lamenting the fear experienced by "beautiful kids" regarding future "ugly" and gun violence, ultimately affirming that hate is never the solution while pleading for peace and love.

The track features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including double bassist Anna Butterss (Boygenius), guitarist Jeff Parker (Tortoise), drummer Deantoni Parks (We Are Dark Angels), percussionist Mauro Refosco (David Byrne), alto flutist Rickey Washington, and trombonist Vikram Devasthali (Angel Olsen). Additional vocals are provided by Chris Warren (The DX Band) and the song's producer, Josh Johnson (Leon Bridges), who also plays alto sax. Flea, 63, stated that the lyrics of "A Plea" reflect the current divisiveness in society and his yearning for "a place beyond, a place of love, for me to speak my mind and be myself." He emphasizes a belief in a "much more transcendent place above" politics where constructive discourse can lead to harmonious and productive living for humanity.

Accompanying the single is a high-energy video, directed by Flea's 37-year-old eldest daughter, photographer Clara Balzary. The visual depicts Flea engaging in modern dance-style movements within a stark space, performing actions like walking in slow motion, shaking his head and arms, punching the air, flailing his torso, and dancing to the song's uptempo jazz groove.

Beyond his prolific work with the Chili Peppers, Flea has a history of contributing to various supergroups, such as Radiohead singer Thom Yorke’s Atoms For Peace, and collaborating with a diverse range of artists including the Circle Jerks, Tom Waits, Johnny Cash, Alanis Morissette, Nirvana, and Jane’s Addiction. He also maintains an active acting career, with notable cameos in films and TV shows like Back to the Future Pt. II, My Own Private Idaho, Inside Out 2, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Baby Driver, The Big Lebowski, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.