A new Netflix documentary explores the early days of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, spotlighting founding guitarist Hillel Slovak through an AI-generated voiceover from his journals.
Documentary Overview
Titled The Rise Of The Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother, Hillel, the film traces the band’s origins and centers on Slovak, who contributed to their first three studio albums. Tragically, Slovak died from a drug overdose in 1988 at age 26. The documentary premiered worldwide on Netflix on March 20, following its debut at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on March 13. Directed by Ben Feldman, it features interviews with frontman Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, early drummer Jack Irons, guitarist John Frusciante—who succeeded Slovak—along with Slovak’s brother James and his girlfriend Addie Brik.
AI Recreation of Slovak’s Voice
The film employs artificial intelligence to recreate Slovak’s voice, narrating entries from his personal journals. Viewers receive clear disclosure about this technology from the outset, adding a poignant layer to the storytelling.
Band’s Statement on the Project
Red Hot Chili Peppers members participated in interviews out of respect for Slovak, a key founder, guitarist, and friend. In a statement, they emphasized: “This documentary focuses on Hillel Slovak and is not a Red Hot Chili Peppers production. We had no creative involvement. It highlights his work, and we hope it draws attention to his contributions.” The band has not yet produced its own documentary.
Reflections on Slovak’s Legacy
In 2022, ahead of what would have been Slovak’s 60th birthday, Kiedis shared: “The energy of Hillel Slovak has never truly faded.” He added, “I wish Hillel hadn’t missed out on that first recording [self-titled debut The Red Hot Chili Peppers] in the first year. We did some TV shows in 1984 and I look at them now and think: ‘Damn, I wish Hillel would have been there for that. He was a creator of the band. That was his baby.’ Anyway, it was meant to be the way it was meant to be and it all fleshed out the way life goes… But Hillel’s still there in our hearts, whether it’s 30, 40, 50, 60 or even 100 [years].”
The band released their latest albums, Unlimited Love and Return Of The Dream Canteen, in 2022 after Frusciante rejoined in 2019.
