Many are confused today about how on earth the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea got set up with Josh Groban for a performance of the National Anthem at the Rose Bowl BCS National Championship last night. And though I can provide a probable explanation for the meeting of these bass and vocal masters, respectively, an artistic analysis will be harder to come by.
As for the former, the answer is Rick Rubin. Groban’s next album will reportedly be produced by Rubin, you see, and Flea, alongside the now John Frusciante-less Red Hot Chili Peppers, has been rumored to be back in the studio with Rubin, a longtime producer, collaborator, and friend to the band.
So my guess is that Flea told Rubin, “Hey, I have to promote my new line of affordable basses,” before Groban called with: “Oh man, our Rose Bowl bass player just dropped out. Know anybody?” Then Rubin made it so.
Either way, this happened, people. I love how everyone’s dressed up in black suits, but Flea and Groban look like they just stopped off from a bar crawl. Also: lime green bass FTW!