Michael Peter Balzary, known as Flea (Melbourne, October 16, 1962), is an Australian-American musician, actor, and author, known worldwide as the bassist and co-founder of the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. His virtuosic and innovative style, which blends funk, slap, and punk influences, has defined the band's sound since its formation in 1983, making him one of the most influential bassists in contemporary music. With the Chili Peppers, he has recorded globally successful albums such as *Blood Sugar Sex Magik*, *Californication*, and *Stadium Arcadium*, contributing as a songwriter to nearly all of their songs. In parallel, he has collaborated with artists such as The Mars Volta and Thom Yorke in the supergroup Atoms for Peace. His career also includes acting roles in films such as *The Big Lebowski* and *Baby Driver*, and the publication of his autobiography, *Acid for the Children*. Together with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he has won numerous Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.