Flea Bid Adieu to Kobe Bryant With a Headbanging-Filled Bass Solo National Anthem

Wednesday night marked Kobe Bryant’s last game with the L.A. Lakers. The occasion of course summoned video tributes from many fellow players—but it also garnered him a more surprising honor, as Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea made an appearance before the game to salute him with a proggy, Hendrix-esque (but on a bass!) rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This was not Flea’s first time bass solo-ing the national anthem at a Lakers game, but it was an unexpected moment nonetheless, even if Flea is known as a longtime longtime fan of the Lakers and a fervent admirer of Bryant as a player. Some may have asked for something more solemn, but at least he wore clothes.