What Is This?

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Find sources: "What Is This?" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2022) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

What Is This
What is This in 1984, L-R: Alain Johannes, Hillel Slovak, Chris Hutchinson, Jack Irons
Background information
Also known as	Chain Reaction, Anthym
Origin	Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Genres	Rock
Years active	1980–1986
Spinoffs	Eleven, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Them Crooked Vultures, Pearl Jam
Past members	Alain Johannes Hillel Slovak Jack Irons Todd Strassman Flea Chris Hutchinson Michael Bocreatis

What Is This (known prior to 1980 as Anthym) was an American rock band that originated in Fairfax High School in Los Angeles, California. Formed by guitarist Hillel Slovak, drummer Jack Irons, vocalist Alain Johannes, and bassist Todd Strassman, the band served as the nucleus for the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Members of the band would go on to perform with Eleven, Chris Cornell, Pearl Jam, Mark Lanegan, Them Crooked Vultures, Alain Johannes Trio and Queens of the Stone Age.