Hey reddit, Chad Smith here. The REAL Chad Smith. Drummer, Red Wings Fan, and closeted Guitarist.

_WillFerrell · 2014-02-07T20:44:12+00:00

Hi, Chad. Will Ferrell here. I saw your video and I graciously accept your invitation to a drum battle. If we can raise $300,000 for Cancer For College I will face off with you in the greatest drum vs. cowbell showdown the world has ever seen. We can do it on stage at a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert or in front of a mutually convenient public library. Your call.

Also, would you rather fight a hundred duck sized ducks or one horse sized horse?

acaryo · 2014-02-07T19:36:38+00:00

What was it like playing in the dust storm during Weekend 1 last Coachella?

Straighttolf · 2014-02-07T19:05:27+00:00

What is it like to play drums naked in front of a live audience are you ever afraid you will hit your dong with a drumstick

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T19:30:54+00:00

someone asked how I would feel if Snoop Dogg interrupted my AMA: I love Snoop! We toured with Snoop, he's awesome. I love him. It would be a pleasure.

shot_of_skooma · 2014-02-07T19:04:20+00:00

Chad do you still drive around on motorcycles with your hair flowing in the breeze?

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T18:59:15+00:00

Hey Chad! Longtime fan here! I'm hoping whether you can share some info on that "unreleased" album you guys made back in the early 2000s that included "Leverage of Space" and "Rolling Sly Stone". Is there any chance of you guys releasing that album in the future?

Max_Powers08 · 2014-02-07T19:09:15+00:00

You, Dave Grohl and Matt Cameron get into a 3 way fistfight. Who wins, and why?

koopatroopa153 · 2014-02-07T19:17:21+00:00

Hey Chad thanks for doing this AMA! What was it like drumming with Andrew W.K. during his 24-hour drum marathon?

dyljo · 2014-02-07T19:05:54+00:00

Hey Chad, what ever happened to that toilet seat you used for your drumset in the Look Around video?

bgold09 · 2014-02-07T19:10:51+00:00

Hey Chad, I started playing drums because of the red hot chili peppers. I saw a video of you playing Charlie from a drum clinic and I was wondering about your technique. I notice you bounce around a lot on both feet, are you actually playing ghost notes on the bass drum or is it not connecting? Do you have any other tips for drummers?

robinkoliko · 2014-02-07T19:10:04+00:00

Chad I´m an admin of a huge page of RHCP in Chile ( Comunidad Red hot Chili Peppers Chile ) We are making a campaing to hear Wet sand live with the HT #WETSANDINCHILE , please tell me that is possible !

Frajer · 2014-02-07T18:59:16+00:00

Hey Chad does being in the Chili Peppers feel any different without John Frusciante? How long did it take with Josh for things to click?

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T19:06:55+00:00

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ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T18:58:36+00:00

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VeryShagadelic · 2014-02-07T18:58:23+00:00

Hey Chad, what is your favourite Peppers album you guys made to date?

Also, is the drum battle with Will Ferrell really going to happen?

Agent_Ray_Gillette · 2014-02-07T19:08:48+00:00

Chad, as a drummer who also loves guitar, I admire you man! I love those Jaguars I see you with every now and then! Is that your favorite guitar?

Tell us a little about the guitar side of you.

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T19:01:53+00:00

Hi Chad!

If you could play drums in any band (yes, besides RHCP), from any decade, year, style, or era, what band would it be?
Do you design your own custom drumsets?

edit: The first drum video I ever watched was Red Hot Rhythm Method. Thank you for that video, it taught me SO MUCH about feel and playing in the pocket.

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T18:59:09+00:00

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The_Best_Dong · 2014-02-07T18:57:26+00:00

I, on behalf of reddit, apologize for any Will Ferrell jokes you are about to endure.

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T19:11:28+00:00

Hey Chad, how come you guys don't play any songs from the One Hot Minute era?

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T18:59:55+00:00

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IceCreamForBreakfast · 2014-02-07T18:58:27+00:00

Hey Chad, big fan. What's the most fun chili peppers song to play live. Also is there any songs you guys wish you could play live more often?

Thanks, hope you guys start on a new album soon!!

pholleeey · 2014-02-07T18:58:16+00:00

Hi Chad! You've made a HUGE impact on my life in a positive way! Thanks for that! My question: What does your practice routine look like?

_burr_ · 2014-02-07T19:01:14+00:00

Hey chad! Huge RHCP fan..wondering what your craziest fan encounter has been?

shawn_g · 2014-02-07T19:36:40+00:00

I have your signature Pearl snare and feel like I'm not getting its full potential sound. Do you have any tuning tips to make it sound its best for someone who's never been great at snare tuning?

Toledomase · 2014-02-07T19:02:28+00:00

Hey Chad, thanks for doing this. I have two questions:

Does the band still keep in touch with John often?

And, have you gotten to catch many Wings games this year?

elbossohogo · 2014-02-07T19:37:01+00:00

Hey man, huge fan, your music is perennially inspiring, favorite band is RHCP, etc.

What I think everyone wants to know is what is your favorite daytime snack?

TylerTodd47 · 2014-02-07T19:08:10+00:00

What was it like having Jimmy Fallon constantly break character in your SNL bits?

TheLoneMoroccan · 2014-02-07T18:58:06+00:00

Chad,

I know this is going to sound like a dramatic over-the-top fan comment but I do hope you will at least read this.

For years now, I have called myself a RHCP fan. I’ve bought almost every single album the band has put out—every single one you’ve been on—and I’ve read Anthony’s biography, “Scar Tissue” multiple times. I remember when “Dani California” first came out I was like, “Holy shit these guys are great!” From there my knowledge of the Chili Peppers grew backwards and forwards from then on. A lot of my friends make fun of me for my serious obsession with you guys. The honest truth is that you guys have saved me, on multiple occasions.

A few years ago, my life wasn’t really in the greatest spot. I lost both of my grandparents whom which I loved a whole lot. Not only had this happened, but the girl I loved decided that would be a perfect time to break up with me. Of course, me being the hormonal teenager I was, I fell into a serious depression for the majority of my junior and senior years in high school. If it wasn’t for Californication (the album, not just the song), By the Way, and Stadium Arcadium, I really don’t think I would be the same person, or a person at all. Your music along with Anthony, Flea, Josh, John’s and every other person who has been a part of the band, has been one of the greatest influences on my life and I think that you guys all deserve to know.

Frankly, I don’t really care if this comment gets buried, so long as you see it and so long as you guys keep making your music. Thank you so much. For everything.

Arbail · 2014-02-07T19:04:02+00:00

Hi chad, huge rhcp fan and wings fan. Who is your favorite current or non current red wings player?

b.)As an Oakland county boy myself. How much do you love Hunter house burgers?

KISSMcCready · 2014-02-07T19:14:50+00:00

What's the story behind the jumpsuit? I've seen you tons of times and the I've only seen you play without it at the Induction!

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T19:08:46+00:00

What is your view on the future of rock music today? Do you think that rock bands will eventually fizzle out or do you think that there will be a resurgence of that style and attitude in popular music?

thetruthisrelative · 2014-02-07T18:59:28+00:00

Hi! Huge Chili Peppers fan, thanks for doing this! What songs are your favourite or the most fun for the drum?

Also, what were your first impressions of Anthony and Flea upon joining the band?

perrythepomegranate · 2014-02-07T18:58:50+00:00

Hey Chad! Thanks so much for doing this AMA. What was your favorite concert with RHCP and why? Also, how do you guys come up with a setlist for a show? Again, thanks a lot for doing this.

breyerw · 2014-02-07T19:05:10+00:00

What Chili Peppers album are you most proud of?

Everydayvapor · 2014-02-07T19:14:37+00:00

HI CHAD!!! Long time fan of the RHCP. Do you think if the challenge is accepted, that you could kick Will Ferrell's ass in a cowbell off? It would be a hard feat!

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T19:10:23+00:00

Worst/best experience while touring?

RLightfoot · 2014-02-07T19:19:38+00:00

What was the process in designing the Holy China and your signature snare? Did you go in knowing what you wanted them to sound like or did you build upon an existing product and fine tune it to your preference?

McManus42 · 2014-02-07T19:37:05+00:00

Was soul to squeeze written specifically for the coneheads soundtrack? That's one of the most beautiful songs ever written and I'm just curious why it wasn't on any albums.

EliQuince · 2014-02-07T19:12:41+00:00

Chad, drummer to drummer- give me some tips on tuning a snare head. Or tips on how to get famous enough to not need to tune my own drums (or play them wink wink)

No, but really- snare tuning tips?

tw_9692 · 2014-02-07T19:01:51+00:00

Hey Chad, just wanted to say hi and that you are a huge inspiration to me. Thanks

ImChadSmith · 2014-02-07T18:57:52+00:00

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lotuskid88 · 2014-02-07T18:57:53+00:00

Holy crap man..I am such a big fan. RHCP has been the soundtrack to my life since I was a baby in my mother's womb and I am so incredibly grateful for your music and you! My question, now that RHCP is in hibernation mode, is there any artists you're hoping to work with during your down-time? May I suggest Les Claypool? Thank you for being so fucking awesome and providing the soundtrack to my brightest days and darkest nights.

ApacheRose_Peacock · 2014-02-07T18:57:05+00:00

I have been inspired by the Chilis for what has actually been the majority of my life. I finally saw you play live in November 2011, and the musicianship you (and the band) demonstrated was utterly transcendent. You came out before the show and I ran to meet you, but you had to leave which was unfortunate, I would’ve liked to have shaken your hand. My question: After years of performing, where do you find the inspiration for the explosive creativity of your improvisation? Thank you for the sublime and incomparably honest music that has made me a better musician. I’ll shake your hand when you’re next in England.

JBeck421 · 2014-02-07T18:57:20+00:00

What is your personal favorite Will Ferrell movie?

wsteinhauser · 2014-02-07T19:43:00+00:00

Hey Chad, what is the most challenging RHCP song to play on drums and who is your favorite drummer ever?

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