Music icon pledges backing to Scottish brothers embarking on rowing journey across Pacific Ocean
Rowing Across the Pacific: Flea Joins the Maclean Brothers' Journey
Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, recently joined the Scottish Maclean brothers on their podcast, "Dinner with the Macleans." The brothers are currently embarking on an extraordinary mission to row 9,000 miles non-stop across the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Australia in a 28-foot rowboat.
The conversation between Flea and the Maclean brothers revolved around the challenges of living closely with siblings or bandmates, intertwined with their Pacific rowing expedition. The brothers' boat, named Rose Emily in memory of their late sister, is a carbon fibre vessel with no engine or sail, powered by the brothers themselves in two-hour shifts.
During the podcast, recorded entirely at sea, the Maclean brothers shared tales of eating freeze-dried meals prepared in Jamie's old school kitchen. Flea, reflecting on his own touring experiences, mentioned that he now eats like a king compared to his past van tours filled with bad roadside food.
The brothers have marked 100 days of their non-stop, unsupported row, and are expected to complete their challenge within the next 20-30 days. So far, they have raised over £218,000 for clean water initiatives, a philanthropic goal that underscores the expedition's purpose beyond adventure and endurance.
Flea discussed the physical and emotional drains of their journey, but emphasized the importance of pushing through for his audience and bandmates. He shared his motivation for continuing to perform with the Red Hot Chili Peppers after over four decades, seeing his role as being of service and to honor the tradition of music.
The podcast offers a unique blend of personal reflections on close relationships under pressure and the story of an ambitious, charitable ocean rowing expedition. It is available on Spotify and YouTube, with other celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Blair Kinghorn, Lorraine Kelly, and Greg Hemphill backing the Maclean brothers in their endeavour.
In the midst of the challenging journey, the brothers have faced adversity. During a violent storm, Lachlan Maclean, one of the brothers, was washed overboard but was saved by a safety line. Despite the hardships, the Maclean brothers' spirit remains unbroken, rowing steadfastly towards their goal.
Flea, in his support, offered that he could have retired but chooses to bring joy to people through music. His participation in the podcast underscores the camaraderie and endurance required in both touring life and long-distance rowing expeditions. The podcast serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, showcasing the Maclean brothers' journey as one of determination, perseverance, and philanthropy.
The podcast discussion between Flea and the Maclean brothers incorporated topics including their personal experiences with living closely with bandmates, as well as their interest in sports due to their current ocean rowing expedition. Flea, reflecting on his touring experiences, also touched upon the entertainment industry and how he now enjoys a better diet compared to his van tour days.
Throughout their extraordinary Pacific rowing journey, music has become an important source of motivation for Flea, reminding him of his role as a performer to bring entertainment and honor the tradition of music, similar to the Maclean brothers' mission of endurance and philanthropy.
