Watch Flea Cover Frank Oceans Thinkin Bout You on Fallon

Published: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 8:27 am

Flea Covers Frank Ocean on The Tonight Show, Discusses New Solo Album

Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea recently appeared on *The Tonight Show* to perform his cover of Frank Ocean's "Thinkin Bout You." The performance, backed by a live band and orchestra, showcased Flea's instrumental interpretation of the song, featuring both bass and trumpet. The cover is a key track from his debut solo album, *Honora*, set to be released on March 27th.

Flea explained that Ocean's original 2012 hit from the album *Channel Orange* deeply impacted him. He stated he listened to the song repeatedly and considered it a "watershed moment" in his musical journey. He chose to cover "Thinkin Bout You" and play it on the trumpet.

During his interview with host Jimmy Fallon, Flea discussed the album's genesis, rooted in his passion for jazz. He shared that he began playing the trumpet as a child, inspired by jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie. Flea recounted a childhood encounter with Gillespie, which left a lasting impression. While he later took up the bass in high school, he continued to nurture his love for the trumpet. He decided to dedicate himself to the instrument a few years ago, leading to the creation of *Honora*.

BNN's Perspective:

Flea's venture into solo work, particularly with a jazz-inspired album, is a welcome departure. It's refreshing to see established artists explore different musical avenues and share their personal influences. The cover of "Thinkin Bout You" is a testament to the enduring power of Ocean's music and Flea's artistic versatility.

Keywords: Flea, Frank Ocean, The Tonight Show, Honora, Thinkin Bout You, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jimmy Fallon, jazz, trumpet, album, music, cover, Dizzy Gillespie

Full Story