Born April 13th 1962 in Israel, Hillel Slovak moved to California at a young age. Creating a best friend in Jack Irons at Fairfax High, he learnt guitar and formed a band named 'Anthym' with Jacky on drums, Alain Johannes singing and Chris Hutchinson on the bass. Hillel later introduced his good friend Mike B the Flea to bass, who would replace Chris for a short time. The band eventually renamed themselves 'What is This?'.
One night Hillel and Flea joined with Anthony Kiedis and wrote "Out in LA" to play a one off gig at a club. People loved it, so they carried on with Jacky I on drums and formed Tony Flow and the Majestic Masters of Mayhem, later the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Hillel left before RHCP recorded their first album, but later rejoined to record Freakey Styley and The Uplift Mofo Party Plan.
Sadly Hillel and Anthony both became heavy heroin addicts. The drug eventually took Hillel's life on June 25th 1988, not long after RHCP's first European tour. Devastated, the Chili's decided to keep going, keeping his spirit alive through new guitarist John Frusciante. Hillel, like any great guitarist, found his own style and saw his instrument as an extention of his arms and a gateway to his soul. Inspired by sex love and funk, he also drew, painted, and wrote poetry, constantly channelling his creativity. This space is a tribute to him..
Most photos on this page are from James Slovak's book 'Behind the Sun', reproduced with kind permission. He has his own myspace (first on the friends list below), check it out..
Thanks to Caro for this photo
