Red Hot Chili Peppers, Genting Arena, Birmingham - review and pictures
They have a reputation for being excellent live performers - and, with the band having more than 30 years of live shows under their belt, fans had high hopes when seeing the Red Hot Chili Peppers last night.
And they certainly weren't disappointed.
The legendary US rockers had the packed-out Genting Arena in the palm of their hands; the mere sight of bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith provoking screams and thunderous applause from the crowd. Needless to say, when frontman Anthony Kiedis stepped out in multicoloured shorts and a black baseball cap, they went wild.
The LA rockers kicked off their 90-minute show with one of their best-known hits - Can't Stop, and immediately the upbeat, funky tone for the evening was set.
Fans danced and belted out the words to each number, as Anthony impressed on vocals; his trademark tone remaining stellar throughout.
Not a note was out of place last night - he was everything fans could have hoped for and more.
As Anthony danced around the stage, Flea - dressed in multicoloured trousers and top - impressed on bass; when he wasn't walking from one side of the stage to the other on his hands, that is.
Fan favourites Dani California and Scar Tissue came next, before the group launched into some of their newer material, with 2016 numbers Dark Necessities and Go Robot. And though they were lesser known to the crowd, both sounded superb and went down very well.
Drummer Chad's performance was particularly special too - thrilling, high-paced and thunderous.
"How you doing Birmingham?" bellowed Flea.
"It's nice to be here, suckling up to your breast of goodness.
"I remember coming to Birmingham 30 years ago, wondering if anyone was gonna come to our gig at some club.
"After all these years, we are so grateful to you all."
Huge hits Tell Me Baby, Under The Bridge and By The Way followed, before they ended the set with Give It Away Now - which saw the band jumping around and going as wild as the crowd.
"This city has such a rich musical history, like Slade, ELO and Led Zeppelin" added drummer Chad.
"There's two metal bands that are really close to my heart - Judas Priest and Black Sabbath.
"It's such an honour to play here. Have a good night. Thank you."
No, thank you - for an astonishingly good show, filled to the brim with hits I could return to see you play another dozen times at least.
The band may have been going since 1983 - but seemingly Can't Stop, addicted to the shindig.
So are we guys, so are we.
By Kirsten Rawlins
