On Sunday (October 9), Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at Austin City Limits, and their show included the live debut of their latest song “Eddie”.

The band released the song in September as a preview of their forthcoming album, Return of the Dream Canteen.

In a statement, frontman Anthony Kiedis explained that the song was inspired by the one and only Eddie Van Halen.

“Sometimes we don’t realize how deeply affected and connected we are to artists until the day they die. Eddie Van Halen was a one-of-a-kind.

“The day after his death Flea came into rehearsal with an emotional bassline. John, Chad, and I started playing along, and pretty soon with all our hearts, a song in his honor effortlessly unfolded. It felt good to be sad and care so much about a person who had given so much to our lives.

“Although the song doesn’t speak to Eddie by name, it talks about his early days on the Sunset Strip and the rock n roll tapestry that Van Halen painted on our minds. In the end, our song asks that you not remember Eddie for dying but for living his wildest dream.”

On Friday (October 14), Red Hot Chili Peppers will release their second album of the year. Pre-save it here.

Return of the Dream Canteen tracklist:

  1. Tippa My Tongue
  2. Peace and Love
  3. Reach Out
  4. Eddie
  5. Fake As Fu@k
  6. Bella
  7. Roulette
  8. My Cigarette
  9. Afterlife
  10. Shoot Me A Smile
  11. Handful
  12. The Drummer
  13. Bag of Grins
  14. La La La La La La La La
  15. Copperbelly
  16. Carry Me Home
  17. In The Snow

Filed under: Red Hot Chili Peppers, RHCP