After adding a collection of their early music videos to their YouTube channel this past spring, Red Hot Chili Peppers have brought one more classic archival clip to the platform. The video for “Behind The Sun” is officially online now.
“Behind The Sun” originally appeared on the Chili Peppers’ third full-length album, 1987’s The Uplift Mofo Party Plan. But aside from a promo 12” distributed in 1987, it wasn’t given a promotional push as a single until 1992, when it was included on the band’s compilation What Hits!? The song ultimately climbed to No. 7 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart. Its rise was partially fueled by the exposure that came with the music video’s extensive MTV airplay following its Nov. 9, 1992 premiere.
Directed by Charlie Paul, the “Behind The Sun” video combines footage of the band members from their 1989 “Higher Ground” video with animation, including significant excerpts from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society’s 1989 short film Faroe Islands. Although the lineup of Anthony Kiedis, Flea, John Frusciante, and Chad Smith appears in the video, Frusciante and Smith did not play on the song. Instead, the recording features the Peppers’ founding guitarist and drummer, Hillel Slovak and Jack Irons. Although released as a single after Slovak’s death, “Behind The Sun” is the biggest chart hit from his tenure with the band. His brother James Slovak named Hillel’s biography Behind The Sun.
“Behind The Sun” holds a special place in Chili Peppers lore: Despite the song’s status as a beloved fan favorite, the band has never performed it live, though they’ve teased it at their concerts a few times over the years. The track also holds the distinction of being the soundtrack to the Weather Channel’s “Local on the 8s” segment starting in 2012.
Watch the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Behind the Sun” now.