Went to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers last night. I've always been a fan--especially after reading Scartissue (Anthony Kiedis's autobiography)--but now I think I need to classify myself as a complete fanatic.
What I loved most was the show was ALL about the music. No fancy stage sets, blowing shit up, smoke, fire, or gimmicks--just amazing tunes, all night long. Lots of the material was new to me--this definitely wasn't a greatest hits set--and I loved every minute of it.
Flea is clearly the most amazing bassist on this planet. Usually you kind of don't notice the bassist in a band, and if you do, it's for his/her stage presence and not his/her playing. But this man can make a bass solo not only interesting, but completely compelling. Also, his versatility was boundless. He slaps, strums chords like his bass was a guitar, plays 'til his fingers bleed. Incredible.
John Frusciante...OH MY GOD. He is my guitar hero, now and forever (no offense intended to Jimmy Page). Talk about versatility and virtuosity. I stared at his fingers all night long. He tapped like a madman, coaxed strange wah-wah, chunka-chunka sounds from his axe, and invented entireley new solos for every song they played. (I had learned a few of the solos on RCHP recordings note for note, and these were nothing like those.) John and Flea just stood facing one another for much of the show, happily trading lines, riffs, and solos. It was a joyous, awesome thing to watch.
And my boy Anthony...what can I say. He's such a character. His voice is great, always on pitch and strong as hell. And he's the only person I know who can make toe socks worn on his arms, black knickers, and a wife beater look cool.
Let's not forget Chad. He rocks, too. He's got a great way of twirling his sticks and hitting HARD.
So yeah, love them Chili Peppers. They put on a totally kick-ass live show that's sole focus is music and musicianship. To me, that's worth so much more than pyrotechnics and other bullshit that just tries to hide the fact that other bands just don't have the chops these guys do.
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