One Hot Minute (1993–1998)

Dave Navarro first appeared with the band at Woodstock '94, where they wore enormous light-bulb costumes attached precariously to chrome metallic suits, making it near-impossible for them to play their instruments. While externally, the band appeared to be settled, the relationship between the three established members and Navarro had begun to deteriorate. His differing musical background made performing difficult as they began playing together, and continued to be an issue over the next year as his first and only album with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, One Hot Minute, was recorded and released on September 12, 1995. The band described One Hot Minute as a darker, sadder record compared to their previous material. Despite mixed reviews, the album was a commercial success. It sold five million copies worldwide, spawned the band's third #1 single, the ballad My Friends, and enjoyed chart success with the songs Warped and Aeroplane.

This iteration of the band was also featured on several soundtracks. I Found Out, a John Lennon cover, was featured on Working Class Hero: A Tribute to John Lennon. The Ohio Players cover, Love Rollercoaster, was featured on the Beavis and Butthead Do America soundtrack, and was released as a single.

By this point Kiedis had resumed his heroin dependence. In April 1998 it was announced that Navarro had left the band due to creative differences; Kiedis stated that the decision was mutual. Reports at the time, however, indicated Navarro's firing came after he attended a band practice under the influence of drugs, which at one point involved him falling backwards over his own amp. Kiedis has since said that though the event should have been comical, it was instead pitiful and was the impetus for Navarro's departure.