Bala Cynwyd Teenager Swaps CD for Red Hot Chili Peppers Album

Ben Feldman, a filmmaker from Bala Cynwyd, made a significant trade as a preteen in the 1990s that changed his life. Swapping his copy of Led Zeppelin II for the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ album “Blood Sugar Sex Magik” sparked a lifelong fandom and ultimately led to the creation of his documentary “The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers: Our Brother Hillel,” now available for streaming on Netflix.

In the documentary, Feldman delves into the close friendship between RHCP frontman Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, and guitarist Hillel Slowak, who tragically passed away in 1988 before the band’s commercial success. Through interviews with Kiedis and Flea, as well as insights from funkmaster George Clinton and What Is This singer Alain Johannes, Feldman paints a vivid picture of Slowak’s influence and legacy within the band.

Feldman, who initially worked as a lawyer, transitioned to filmmaking after an unexpected career shift prompted by his investigation into the theft of 7,000 insects from the Philadelphia Insectarium and Butterfly Pavilion in 2018. This led to his series “Bug Out,” which uncovered a world of black market bug dealing and intrigue.

Inspired by his passion for storytelling, Feldman’s journey from a music trade in his youth to creating impactful documentaries showcases the power of following one’s curiosity and pursuing what brings fulfillment. With “The Rise of the Red Hot Chili Peppers,” viewers can experience a heartfelt tribute to Hillel Slowak and the early days of one of the most iconic bands in music history.