33 Things You Should Know About Red Hot Chili Peppers
31. They really do give it away, give it away, give it away now.
Since 2000, the Peppers have quietly donated a quarter of their tour profits to charity. "We try to focus on the kids, the environment, women, old folks — anyone who needs a little leg up," says Kiedis.
32. They are impervious to aging.
Despite a combined eight-plus decades of drug and alcohol abuse, the band members look almost frighteningly fit. "Our performances are very physical," explains Smith. "I saw Lynyrd Skynyrd on TV, and they're just these huge fat guys — they don't jump around or anything."
33. ... And they're not done yet.
Most bands would be out of gas or out of ideas (or both) by their ninth record. Not these guys. Their 2006 CD, Stadium Arcadium, a sprawling Rick Rubin–produced double CD, hit Billboard's top slot and won the band four Grammys. In celebration, the band hit the road through 2007, playing the biggest international festivals alongside the hottest names in music. "It's just a preview," said Kiedis. "I'm still just a freshman in the college of music. We've got some other cool shit in us." Perhaps 2008's theatrical release, Red Hot Chili Peppers: Untitled Documentary, is just a prequel.
