Red Hot Chili Peppers Are The 2022 VMA Global Icons

The 2022 VMAs may be set to air live from the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, but for at least a portion of the show, the spirit of California will be in the air. That’s thanks to Golden State institutions Red Hot Chili Peppers, who will receive the prestigious Global Icon Award and perform live at this year’s show on August 28. Can you smell the beach already?

It’ll be RHCP’s return to the VMA stage for the first time since 2000, when they received the Video Vanguard Award and performed one of their trademark tunes, “Californication.” This year, the quartet — made up of singer Anthony Kiedis, guitarist John Frusciante, bassist Flea, and drummer Chad Smith — are also nominated in the Best Rock category for their song “Black Summer.”

And thankfully for the Garden State, the band will be arriving with their instruments in tow, set to perform on the same stage as previously announced talents Jack Harlow, Blackpink, Lizzo, Måneskin, 2022 Video Vanguard recipient Nicki Minaj, Anitta, J Balvin, Marshmello x Khalid, Panic! at the Disco, and Kane Brown.

The Global Icon Award celebrates an artist or band whose unparalleled career, continued impact, and influence have maintained a unique level of global success in music and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the music landscape. Previous recipients include Janet Jackson, U2, Green Day, Eminem, and more. Last year, the honor went to Foo Fighters.

It’s hard to think of an act that has dominated as long as RHCP has, and that successful run includes two brand-new albums released in 2022. Unlimited Love dropped in April, and their just-announced follow-up, Return of the Dream Canteen, is due out October 14. Today (August 19), they also teamed up with MTV to premiere the new video for “Tippa My Tongue.”

The group joins an already stacked lineup of performers as well as the hip-hop trio of LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, and Jack Harlow, who will emcee the show. The VMAs are a mere nine days away, and it's safe to say the celebration has only just begun (and that the funky monks are on the run).

This year’s VMAs will return to New Jersey’s Prudential Center in Newark on Sunday, August 28. The ceremony previously hit the Garden State in 2019, hosted by Sebastian Maniscalco; last year’s show aired from Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. Find the full list of nominees right here, and find more info at vma.mtv.com.