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RIP Blackie Dammett, the colourful father of the RHCP’s Anthony Kiedis

Anyone who’s read Anthony Kiedis‘ biography, Scar Tissue, will know all about Blackie Dammett (real name: John Kiedis), the guy who raised Anthony in California.

As a parent, Blackie was…unconventional. He was a part-time drug dealer (allegedly), introducing his son to a variety of substances and (it is said) a hooker or two. He was also a bit actor, landing roles in Magnum PI, Lethal Weapon, Starsky and Hutch, and Night Court.

Once Anthony and the Chili Peppers got big, Blackie was enlisted to run the band’s official fanclub. Hardcore fans will know that the RHCP songs “The Hunter” and “Savior” were inspired by him.

Back in 2013, Dammet wrote an autobiography entitled Lords of the Sunset Strip. Shortly thereafter, he was diagnosed with dementia, declining slowly over the years until his death on Wednesday (May 12). He was 81. This Facebook page broke the news.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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18 thoughts on “RIP Blackie Dammett, the colourful father of the RHCP’s Anthony Kiedis

  • Omg I really liked blackie he was my sister’s boyfriend for 8 years bless the family Peggy Anthony and James. This is very sad. Prayers and love. Amanda grace neese.

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  • Sorry for your loss, Anthony. You will always find moments where you will remember your father and laugh. He sounded like a real character. Missing my father since 1966. Nothing but love for you here.

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  • So sorry for your loss Anthony 💔

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  • Anthony mis más profundas condolencias, QDEP desde Puebla, Mx tu más grande fan

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  • So sorry, Prayers to Anthony during this time. May Blackie R. I. P. Sending hugs and thoughts and prayers.

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  • Sorry for your loss Anthony and Fam. Fly with the angels Blackie Dammett 🌹

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  • I read scar tissue. Anthony may have been introduced drugs by his dad but Anthony is also someone who has been responsible enough to pick them up and put them down thus enhancing hid life with them rather than destroying his life. Sorry his dad gone.

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  • Forgive me dad if i have done something wrong. Rest in Peace

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  • My Sincerest Condolences Anthony. Long may You live an the Red Hot Chili Peppers!

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  • Sorry for your loss Anthony , missing my father also since 1986 ❤️ my thoughts are with you.

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  • Father son love is the strongest bond we have. My condolences to you and your family.

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  • Quite an amazing character, illustrated in Anthony’s book.RIP. All my thoughts are with you Anthony in this difficult time.

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  • Awful person. Really awful.
    I had my share of heroin in life, and to put your own kid through that… I never understood him.
    There are more than a few things that helped Anthony to become what he is – but his father definitely wasn’t one of them. He was the bullet that Anthony missed

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  • Heartfelt condolences Anthony and your fathers loved ones.

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  • Its always sad to lose a parent. Im sorry, Anthony. You will get through this. Thinking of you at this very difficult time.

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  • SPIRITS GOTTA FLY SKYHIGH R.I.P. Moggie (Lpool)

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  • What ever happened to Blackie’s second son James?

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  • ‘colourful father”

    That’s one way to put it.

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