This was the publics’ first official look at the new band that had developed quite a different look since Blood Sugar Sex Magik. The video opens up with anticipation, leaving the viewer wondering what will happen next until the song kicks into high gear, suddenly, if not spasmodically answering the viewers’ questions. The first single off the unjustifiably maligned One Hot Minute, and the first music video to feature new guitarist Dave Navarro, “Warped” serves its purpose incredibly well. “Warped” / One Hot Minute / 1995 / Directed by Gavin Bowden The video for “Soul to Squeeze” is so timeless because of its originality, yet still finds a way to evoke the exact same emotions as the song itself.ġ0. Without being depressed, the video is depressing despite seeing Kiedis with a headful of snakes or Flea ride an elephant. The bleak black and white footage of a wandering circus heightens the lonely atmosphere generated by the track. The fact that this video was filmed after John Frusciante had left the band adds to the very somber nature of the song, thus serving as a strengthening link between the song itself and the music video. “Soul to Squeeze” / Coneheads Soundtrack / 1993 / Directed by Kevin KerslakeĪnother black and white video, this time, one inspired by traveling freakshows of the 1930s, stands in stark contrast to the frenetic jubilance of “Give It Away”. Throw in bassist Flea’s awesome stuffed animal pants (as seen in the video to “Bust a Move” as well) and you have the perfect video to introduce the Chili Peppers to mainstream America. The video alone makes viewers want to get up and dance just as much as the song itself does. Even though the kaleidoscopic background doesn’t help with this, it served as the perfect image to convey the band’s maniacal zest and kinetic vibrancy. With guitarist John Frusciante’s neon colored jacket, and lead singer Anthony Kiedis’ hipster hat, this video screams out 1989. “Higher Ground” / Mother’s Milk / 1989 / Directed by Bill Stobaugh and Drew CarolanĪlthough it’s comparatively bland next to future videos, the video for “Higher Ground” introduced an unsuspecting mainstream audience to the funk-punk machinations of the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Red hot chili peppers