1993 - 1998

Dave was asked to join the Red Hot Chili Peppers more than once.

The first time was in 1992, but he declined. They finally won him over in 1993, and Dave became an official RHCP member on 5 September, 1993. He joined Anthony Kiedis, Flea (Michael Balzary) and Chad Smith. His first official concert with the band was at Woodstock II in 1994, where they wore not only the infamous lightbulb costumes, but the Jimi Hendrix costumes as well. He was even spotted doing the RHCP socks-on-cocks thing!

Dave would later say when asked about his departure, "The only way is as follows - when I was 17 the time had come for me leave the comfort and safety of the nest, thus turning to a new chapter in my life. As sad as this experience was for me, I found it to be equally as exciting. I knew then that, in my absence, the love my father (James "Mike" Raul Navarro) had for me would be no different than my love for him. The only difference I can see in this case is that my father would never have suggested some of the costumes I wore with the band. On a serious note, I will miss the band very much. I know in my heart that the friendships we've established will remain forever." He only released one album with them, One Hot Minute, which was praised by all media when it was released, but is now torn apart since his departure from the band.

This album was much darker than all the previous RHCP albums. They did a wide array of festivals and concerts, the last concert (w/ Dave) was at Mt. Fuji in Japan on 26 July, 1997. They could only play for about 40minutes because of a monsoon. Dave would refer to it like this "I guess the gods of Mount Fuji weren't interested in having western decadence turn a buck at the base of a holy spot!"

He left the band officially on the 3 April 1998, to concentrate more on his new project, Spread.

Coincidentally, Dave was later replaced by John Frusciante, just the same guy Dave replaced in 1993!