There’s no doubt that Flea is one of the coolest nicknames in rock history. But how did the iconic Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist earn his moniker?

Turns out, it came from his future bandmate Anthony Kiedis, when they were still teenagers in high school.

Flea’s real name is Michael Balzary, and Kiedis nicknamed him ‘Mickey B The Flea’ because he couldn’t sit still.

Eventually, it shortened to just ‘Flea’, and the rest is history.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are currently touring Europe, and will return to the U.S. in late summer.