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Ghostly House Inspires Chili Peppers' Blockbuster Album
26 Sep
Summary
- The iconic 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' was recorded in a purportedly haunted house.
- Producer Rick Rubin suggested recording outside a traditional studio.
- Anthony Kiedis initially kept the hit song 'Under the Bridge' private.
Thirty-five years ago, the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded their seminal 1991 album, 'Blood Sugar Sex Magik,' in an unusual setting: a house believed to be haunted.
Producer Rick Rubin proposed recording outside a conventional studio, leading the band to isolate themselves for two months in a Laurel Canyon house in April 1991. Band members reported strange occurrences, including cold spots and hearing unexplained noises, with some even employing an Ouija board.
Drummer Chad Smith eventually chose to sleep at home due to the unsettling atmosphere, though he also sought a break from constant recording. Despite the alleged paranormal encounters, the band successfully pushed creative boundaries.
This period of intense creativity yielded iconic tracks such as 'Under the Bridge,' 'Breaking the Girl,' and 'Give It Away.' Frontman Anthony Kiedis initially hesitated to share 'Under the Bridge,' considering it unsuitable for the band, but Rubin encouraged experimentation.
'Blood Sugar Sex Magik' achieved massive commercial success, selling millions and becoming the band's second-best-selling album. The album's release transformed the Red Hot Chili Peppers from relative unknowns into international stars, with their music frequently heard on the radio.
