Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis recently joined Apple Music’s Zane Lowe for an interview and revealed the idea behind his decision to live in isolation.
In 1996, Anthony Kiedis bought a 68ha farm in the Kaipara at Mosquito Bay in New Zealand. This Kaipara farm had dazzling harbor views, and Kiedis used this place to retreat. In his autobiography, ‘Scar Tissue,’ Kiedis remembered what tempted him to purchase this property. He stated that he wanted a place near clear and inviting water where he could swim and play underwater.
Kiedis also said he doesn’t know why he chose this place as it had none of these but had an incredible view of the harbor. Although he liked the place so much, he visited the Kaipara property only several times as it rains 300 days out of the year there. In 2001, he decided to put the farm on the market for over $1 million.
In a recent interview, Zane Lowe told Kiedis that he is the most recognizable person in the rock scene, and his decision to live in New Zealand as a recluse blew his mind. He then said he now understands Kiedis’ desire to live in isolation — to try to process. As a response, Kiedis revealed why he decided to live in seclusion.
Kiedis said that his property in New Zealand was a natural and green place that was forgotten by time. So, due to that reason, living there felt super inviting for him. Moreover, the musician talked about his teenage son and implied it’s better to live away from the turmoil, considering the danger out there on the city streets.
During the conversation, Zane Lowe told Anthony Kiedis about his decision to live in New Zealand:
“It blew our minds — me and my friend met you there, it was around 1995 or 96. We just couldn’t get a hit around it. We were like, ‘This guy’s in the biggest rock band on the planet and the most recognizable person.’
Because, let’s be honest, just by the nature of your style, your charisma, and who you are, when you walk down the street, people know who you are.“
Kiedis then stated:
“Maybe in the 90s, though.”
Zane Lowe continued:
“[Laughs] It’s still the case. So, for us to see you there and for you to want that boondock life and isolation, I get it now. I understand in a way, knowing the story that you were sort of trying to process, right?”
As a response, Kiedis said:
“Yeah, I blame the seduction of the island. You know, it was so natural and green, and time had forgotten it just a little bit. So, it did feel super inviting the very second that I set foot.
But the world is full of that, and it was nice that we were able to cross paths at that point in time because I have certainly enjoyed loosely following your trajectory.
Now, knowing that we both have teenage boys that are off doing dangerous things on country roads and city streets, it’s nice to reconnect at this point down the line.”
You can watch the full interview below.
