Red Hot Chili Peppers' Anthony Kiedis, 61, caught engaged in public display of affection while watching NBA with his girlfriend Helena, 19

The Red Hot Heartbreak Behind The Getaway

In a recent blog post, I dove into the Red Hot Chili Peppers and their upcoming album The Getaway, blissfully unaware of the heartbreak that fueled its creation. Turns out, the emotional engine behind many of the album’s lyrics is frontman Anthony Kiedis’ break-up with—brace yourself—a 22-year-old supermodel, Helena Vestergaard.

Yes, you read that right. A 53-year-old rock legend going through a “devastating” split with someone young enough to be his daughter. Don’t you just ache for him?

Kiedis opened up to BBC Radio about how the relationship and its eventual collapse inspired a number of tracks on the new record. And while heartbreak is heartbreak, it’s hard not to raise an eyebrow—or at least crack a wry smile—at the unlikely pairing that sparked all this lyrical soul-searching.

Photos of the two from their happier days (like courtside at a Lakers game) might give you a nostalgic pang—if you're into wistful celeb romances with age gaps large enough to have their own Spotify playlist.

Now, I’m not here to give Anthony dating advice... but if he’s aiming for a more upbeat, sunshine-and-smiles kind of Chili Peppers album next time around, maybe—just maybe—he should consider dating someone a little older and emotionally seasoned. You know, someone mature. Like... 25?