The Red Hot Chili Peppers is a band that became popular in the 1980s. The group has an interesting logo that is commonly referred to as the Star of Affinity. This unique symbol has meaning for the group and to the fans who understand the elements and what they represent as rock stars. To understand the full meaning, it’s important to know the story and history behind the logo. Here are the facts about the Red Hot Chili Peppers logo along with its deeper meaning in case you didn’t already know.
The history of the Red Hot Chili Peppers
The band got its first big break in 1984. The release of their self-title debut album helped to launch them to heights of fame and adoration from a large fan base. Frontman Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea have a 30-year history as founders of the band who formed from a group of high school classmates. When they started playing together, they had no idea that a few years down the road they would be one of the most famous bands on the planet.
The first Red Hot Chili Peppers Logo
The group realized that they needed to have an image for branding, thanks to their label management company. They told the guys that they needed to produce some type of logo that would represent the group in some meaningful way. Anthony Kiedis took on the task and he came up with a sketch of the first official logo for the group in 1984, at the time their debut album was released. It was an asterisk with eight prongs that would forever become a symbol of the band. Although Kiedis didn’t give his reason for drawing that particular image at the time or assign any meaning to the image. A design that was created on a whim has come to stand for one of the greatest bands of all time. The thing about creative design is that there is always a meaning hidden deep within the psyche of its creator and in time that meaning has become evident.
A deep connection with fans
According to Merchbar, the Star of Affinity logo started as a concept with the frontman for the band. It was officially designed in 1970 by Michael Moorcock. The true meaning behind the design is a representation of chaos. We see that the start points in the four cardinal directions with arrows that point in the various directions that one may take. These represent all of the possibilities for the various paths, and it also represents the chaos one experiences when attempting to decide which choices to make on life’s path. Kurt Vonnegut presented a similar asterisk drawing at the beginning of his “Breakfast of Champions” novel released in 1973. It’s not a new concept and it’s one that the Red Hot Chili Peppers incorporated into their logo.
One interpretation of the meaning of the logo
When we consider the meaning assigned by Vonnegut and the original creator Morecock, it makes sense that the group would choose an image that represents choices and the ensuing chaos. The music industry is a tough business and there are many directions a group can take. Each choice that they made helped them to carve a niche for themselves within an unforgiving industry where not everyone achieves success.
Ascribed meanings we assign
1000 Logos points out that Anthony Kiedis wasn’t trying to assign any particular meaning to the logo at the time he drew the sketch. There was no deep symbolism involved, at least, that he was aware of. He simply fulfilled the request of his record label to come up with a design that would serve as the logo for the band. Regardless off his intention or lack thereof, the symbol is one that now appears in tattoos on devout fans and on licensed merchandise that is marketed for the band. Bravado International is the owner of the Red Hot Chili Peppers logo.
Controversy surrounding the logo
The logo for the Red Hot Chili Peppers has generated its share of controversy. It seems that a Back-Lite jacket was created with the logo for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The Floiraa clothing manufacturer was hit with a lawsuit for $11 million for using the symbol without permission. It was a one-off jacket that was customized at the request of an individual customer, but the owner of the logo saw it as an infringement and proceeded with the lawsuit. This is how important the logo is and how far the group is willing to go to protect its sanctity.
The nickname of the emblem
The Star of Affinity is the official name for the logo. Kiedis refers to it as the Angel’s A-hole, because his assigned his own meaning to the image. He claims that it represents an angel caught in the A-hole of heaven who is trying to get out. Although offensive to some, it’s the meaning that he assigns to the image.
The Font and colors
The font that is used for the present version of the Star of Affinity logo for the Red Hot Chili Peppers is the Franklin Gothic font. The logo is usually set against a white background with the Star of Affinity rendered in a bright and vibrant red. This color represents courage and passion, which are both virtues of the group. The use of black and white represents the high emotional traits of the music that the Red Hot Chili Peppers played.
Final thoughts
Although there were no particular reasons for choosing the Star of Affinity, it has become a logo image that has taken on a life of its own. The symbol is not without meaning, but rather, has risen to confirm that life can be chaotic. We have lot of choices before us and it can be hard to know which road to take. Fans of the Red Hot Chili Peppers have assigned their own meanings to the symbol, but ultimately, it evokes recognition and emotions from adoring fans and it has done its job very well.
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