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Red Hot Chili Peppers Donned Their Bushiest Rick Rubin Beards for Wild Rock Hall Performance
The Red Hot Chili Peppers honoured producer Rick Rubin at the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony with a performance of “Give It Away”, dressing as a playful tribute to his familiar look. The moment celebrated Rubin’s influence on the band and his receipt of the Hall’s Musical Excellence Award.
All four members wore oversized white beards and wigs with orange-tinted sunglasses, while Chad Smith’s bass drum featured Rubin’s portrait. A problem with Flea’s bass briefly interrupted the song, but the band restarted and completed it. “Give It Away” appeared on 1991’s *Blood Sugar Sex Magik*, the first of Rubin’s albums with the group; he produced all their albums apart from 2016’s *The Getaway*. Rubin accepted his award with the words, “Can’t kill rock & roll.”
In short
- The Chili Peppers performed “Give It Away” in tribute to Rick Rubin.
- The band wore oversized beards, wigs and orange-tinted sunglasses.
- Rubin received the 2026 Musical Excellence Award.
Explained simply
The Red Hot Chili Peppers are an American rock band whose members include singer Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist John Frusciante. Their 1991 album Blood Sugar Sex Magik brought them wider success, with producer Rick Rubin helping shape its sound.
Rubin is an American record producer known for working with artists across rock, hip-hop and other genres. He produced most of the band’s albums, beginning with Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and has been recognised by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his influence on music.
The Hall’s Musical Excellence Award recognises people whose work has had a significant impact on music. Rubin’s long collaboration with the band helps explain why they chose to honour him through one of their best-known songs.