Hillel Slovak was an American musician and composer who was best known as a founding member and the band’s original guitarist. He released a number of albums with the band, including ‘Freaky Styley,’ ‘The Uplift Mofo Party Plan,’ ‘Mother’s Milk,’ ‘Out in L.A.,’ and ‘What Hits!? Throughout his career, Slovak developed a severe dependence on heroin. He eventually succumbed to his addiction, dying of an overdose at the age of 26 in 1988, despite multiple attempts to kick the habit. The musician was replaced after his death by guitarist John Frusciante. Many Red Hot Chili Peppers songs, including ‘Knock Me Down,’ ‘Otherside,’ ‘My Lovely Man,’ ‘Feasting on the Flowers,’ and ‘Dosed,’ were written as tributes to Hillel Slovak. In 2012, the late American musician cum songwriter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Red Hot Chili Peppers; his brother accepted the honor on his behalf.
Hillel Slovak’s Career
Young Hillel Slovak, together with his classmates Todd Strassman and Alain Johannes, established the band Chain Reaction at his high school, Fairfax (later renamed Anthem and then Anthem). After placing second in a local music competition, the band began performing at local nightclubs. After altering its name to What Is This?, the band went on to perform at multiple coastal California events.
Eventually, Slovak and his friends Kiedis and Flea began composing their own music. With Jack Irons, the three formed the band Tony Flow & the Miraculously Majestic Masters of Mayhem. This group began performing live and even released a song titled “Out in L.A.” After changing its name to Red Hot Chili Peppers, the band began performing in bars in Los Angeles.
As Slovak regarded the Peppers as a side project at the time, he quit the group to focus on What is This. During the making of the latter’s second album, he became dissatisfied with the group and finally rejoined the Chili Peppers for the release of their album ‘Freaky Style on August 16, 1985. Later, Slovak assisted the band in releasing ‘The Uplift Mofo Party Plan’, their third album.
His Personal Life
Hillel Slovak was born in Haifa, Israel, on April 13, 1962. James, his brother, existed. Slovak attended both Laurel Elementary School and Bancroft Junior High School. Additionally, he attended Fairfax High School. Slovak had a girlfriend with whom he shared an apartment.
Drug Dependence & Death
Early in his career, Slovak got hooked on heroin, and he frequently attempted to conceal his problem from his family. During a tour, Slovak’s health deteriorated to the point that he was unable to perform. Following this, the musician resolved to give up narcotics and begin a new period of his life free of substance abuse.
Unfortunately, Slovak had gotten too badly dependent on heroin and was unable to quit despite his strong desire to do so. On June 27, 1988, his body was discovered at his apartment in Hollywood. After his autopsy, it was determined that Slovak had overdosed on heroin two days before to his death.
Estimated Net Worth
Hillel Slovak is one of the wealthiest and most popular guitarists in the world. According to our research, Wikipedia, Forbes, and Business Insider, Hillel Slovak has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million.