Brad Beyer
SCAR TISSUE
A book. A song. Scar Tissue—a title that perfectly encapsulates the life of Anthony
Kiedis and the journey he’s endured. From the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles to the
global stages of rock and roll, Kiedis has lived a life of extremes. His story is one of
unfiltered chaos, artistic brilliance, and the scars—both literal and metaphorical—that
have shaped him.
Born into a world of excess, Kiedis was raised on the fringes of Hollywood, where drugs
and danger were as accessible as the music that would later define him. As the
frontman of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, he channeled his raw experiences into lyrics
that pulsed with pain, love, and an undeniable hunger for life. Songs like "Under the
Bridge," "Give It Away," and "Otherside" serve as mile markers in his turbulent
existence—stories of addiction, loss, and the fight to reclaim himself.
This artwork, titled Scar Tissue, weaves together the essence of Kiedis’ life—his songs,
his struggles, his triumphs. Every detail tells a piece of the story: the highs of
superstardom, the lows of addiction, the friendships lost, and the love found along the
way. His lyrics, his troubles, and his successes are all embedded in this portrait, forming
a mosaic of a man who has lived on the edge yet continues to evolve.
At its core, Scar Tissue is a testament to resilience. Through the wreckage of excess,
Kiedis has emerged—scarred, but alive,and going strong. And in those scars, there’s a
story worth telling.
Some notes on the drawing:
In his mouth are his words: “Even as the words came out of my mouth, my heart was
dying a thousand deaths” Also : “Your mouth was made to suck my kiss”. And: “You’re
just the kind of girl I liked- the weirdo in the bunch”
Eyes: “Close your eyes and I’ll kiss you “cause,” Kiedis is talking about guitarist Dave
Navarro, and how they both kissed at the end of the “Warped” video from the One Hot
Minute .
Ear: What tinnitus? He had a bad ear. Also his line: “I heard your voice through a
photograph.”
Nose: “What a way to finally smell her”
The rest of the drawing is full of quotes, lyrics, band members, and his life’s journey.
“I got dosed by you; closer than most to you. What am I supposed to do?”