Brenden Muller passed away in October of 2009, just days after his 60th birthday. Muller was the inspiration behind the most heartfelt song on the Red Hot Chili Peppers‘ latest album I’m With You.

When the Chili Peppers were formed back in 1983, Brenden Mullen was busy booking bands at Hollywood’s most eclectic venues. In an LA Times article, Flea describes why Mullen and his clubs were so important at the time. “Brendan created a fertile, exciting, creative environment, the type of scene that inspired musicians to reach out, to try and find new sounds.”

It was in 1983 that the band walked in to Club Lingerie to see Mullen and put on the dog and pony show that they thought necessary to get booked at the club. But, according to Flea, it wasn’t the presentation that Mullen interested in. It was the music. He listened intently to the music and convinced, he slotted them in to open for Bad Brains. Flea continues about Mullen, “I felt profoundly validated to be accepted and acknowledged by Brendan Mullen.” He refers to Mullen as having “mythological status” among the punk rock crowd.

Although more widely known for his contribution to punk, Mullen was also instrumental in the “first hip-hop scene that made its way to Hollywood.” According to the Flea, Mullen worked shows with Ice-T, Afrika Bambaataa and the Arabian Prince.

Most recently, the band collaborated with Mullen over a book about the Red Hot Chili Peppers, aptly titled An Oral/Visual History.

Red Hot Chili Peppers are in the midst of a world tour promoting I’m With You which is available in stores everywhere.

-Jay Tilles / CBS Local