Red Hot Chili Peppers

Everyone knows the Red Hot Chili Peppers now, but in 1983, they were playing strip clubs in LA and trying desperately to hone their trademark sound, which fused funk with punk rock. A number of lineup changes didn't help matters, and the band struggled through some early album releases, starting with their 1984 eponymous debut. By 1989 they had four albums under their belt and were finally starting to come into their own, releasing the single "Higher Ground" and the at-last-commercially-successful Mother's Milk. 1991 would see the release of the album that launched the group to superstar status, Blood Sugar Sex Magik, which spawned a number of huge singles such as "Give it Away" and "Under the Bridge." Some middle of the road LPs would follow throughout the '90s and into the early 21st century, but the band never strayed far from the limelight. Their latest album, 2006's Stadium Arcadium, has been a huge hit, featuring the memorable singles "Dani California" and "Tell Me Baby."
It's hard not to find something likeable about Red Hot Chili Peppers, even though their funkadelic sound isn't for everyone. Still, chances are if you attended high school any time since 1990 one of their songs was very big during your attendance. Maybe it was "Under the Bridge," with its eye-catching video and dramatically sweeping chorus. Or maybe it was their funky remake of "Rollercoaster of Love" that went to the Beavis and Butthead movie. Or maybe you're there right now and it's "Dani California," with its video of the myriad costume changes and the laid-back chorus. Whatever the age, there's a Chili Peppers song ready and waiting. Coupled with their amazing live shows, the band has successfully clawed their way to the top of their game and managed to stay there since 1991-not too bad for a bunch of guys who used to only wear strategically-placed tube socks to their concerts.