Chad began playing drums early, at the age of 17 he began taking various jobs, which didn’t work out that well; all he ever wanted to do was to play drums.

He graduated from Bloomfield Hill's Lasher High School in the year 1980. After he graduated he played with many bands.

After Playing with the band Toby Redd, Chad had a gained very good reputation as a drummer. Chad ended up being the last guy to audition. He had a reputation of 'Eating drums for breakfast'.
That settled it, the others were blown away by his skill and he joined the Chili Peppers in March 1989. They were all astonished by his incredible skill, how he gave everything he had and his way of playing and he was chosen instantly.
Chad was deep into Funk he’s style fitted perfectly and he easily adapted to being a Chili Pepper.
In 1989 Chad seek his fortune to L.A,
Chad is a prson who very down to earth, sees things for what they are and has always been the one creating the family feeling in the band.

Some of Chad's greatest influences are Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Keith Moon, Mitch Mitchell, Black Sabbath, Kiss, Jimi Hendrix, Van Halen, The Who, Motown, P-Funk, Buddy Rich, John Bonham.
Chad is a very highly respected as a drummer and he has got many good friends from all sorts of bands. He also participated on the Private Part's soundtrack. He used to play Basketball with Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam, just as Flea and Anthony he's a basketball freak, he always wears his trademark basketball cap. The favorite team are the Detroit Tigers. Recently Chad appeared on Fishbone's new album along with John and Flea.

"There is nothing like rocking out naked on stage with your best friends"

Chad married Maria St John and they have daughter called Manon St. John Smith who was born on March 3 1997 (10:42AM in Pasadena California. 8 pounds 3 ounces 21 inches) . Unfortunately they recently divorced. He has also got another baby girl. His daughters are his everything.
Chad entered the Guinness book of the world records for playing the world's largest drum kit consisting of 308 pieces.
During the OHM tour, Chad had and accident while playing basketball and later crashed his Harley, which delayed the tour. After One Hot Minute Chad and Dave Navarro worked on a Duo project called Spread, which he quit after Navarro's departure from the band.
His fantastic skill, his wisdom, his steadiness and his relaxed attitude will continue to make the Red Hot Chili Peppers prosperous.