The Red Hot Chili Peppers have confirmed they're working on a new studio album, due out by the end of 2026. The news comes straight from Flea, who described an already well-advanced creative phase, with the band busy writing and experimenting with new material. Recording sessions are taking place at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California, a space by now closely tied to the band's recent history.
The album, which will be the thirteenth of their career, is still taking shape: the group is writing a lot of material but being rigorous about editing it down, scrapping several tracks to focus on the ones with the most energy and impact. This approach points to a more selective process than in the past.
On the sonic front, early indications point to a record geared toward experimentation, with a sound described as "more alive" and open to new directions, while still holding on to recognizable elements of their identity: John Frusciante's riffs and Anthony Kiedis's introspective lyrics. The stated goal is to push beyond familiar reference points, striking a balance between stylistic continuity and fresh solutions.
Recording is taking place at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu under the guidance of Rick Rubin, the band's longtime producer since the days of "Blood Sugar Sex Magik". The collaboration thus confirms a line of continuity on the production side as well.
The new album arrives four years after "Return Of The Dream Canteen" (2022) and comes amid a phase of renewed creative activity following Frusciante's return in 2019. The band's statements suggest an ambitious work, already counted among the most anticipated releases of 2026.
Meanwhile, Flea has also released his debut solo album, “Honora“, on which he felt the need to go back to what he considers his true imprinting, the only meaningful legacy to emerge from his difficult relationship with his stepfather: jazz.
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This article is an English translation of the original Italian text by OndaRock Staff, published on OndaRock.it. It was translated with the help of artificial intelligence, under the editorial responsibility of OndaRock's editor-in-chief, Claudio Fabretti.
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