Live Review: Red Hot Chili Peppers @ London O2 Arena

When most bands return to the live circuit after releasing a new album they will base their entire set around it, with smatterings of the classics. Red Hot Chili Peppers, though, are not most bands. Their set at the impressive O2 arena included just four songs from the band’s tenth studio album, I’m WIth You, which was surprising considering the tour was in support of the new album. 


The four-piece, including the most recent replacement for John Frusciante, Josh Klinghoffer, kicked things off with an explosive version of ‘Monarchy Of Roses’, the first song on I’m With You. They followed it up with the punchy, funky groove of ‘Dani California’ from 2006’s double album, Stadium Arcadium.

Stadium Arcadium was revisited as many times as the band’s new effort, with ‘Tell Me Baby’, the beautiful ‘Hard To Concentrate’ and the epic ‘Wet Sand’ all demonstrating the quality of the Chili’s back catalogue. Klinghoffer, who had previously toured with RHCP for the Stadium Arcadium tour before taking over from Frusciante, showed that he was more than comfortable filling this predecessor’s shoes, putting his own distinctive stamp on many of Frusciante’s legendary solos. 

‘Universally Speaking’ provided the first evidence of Klinghoffer’s confidence at adapting Frusciante’s foundations on guitar, something that didn’t quite shine through in his contribution to I’m With You. The band then pulled out a surprise with a rare outing for ‘If You Have To Ask’, from their 1991 breakthrough album, Blood Sex Sugar Magik. The song was a blast from the past, capturing the punk and funk style that was so prevalent at the start of the Chili Pepper’s career. It was suitably followed by ‘Factory Of Faith’ from I’m With You, which features a prominent bassline from Flea that is also reminiscent of RHCP’s funkier origins.

The opening riff of ‘Otherside’ got those who still remained rooted to their seats up on their feet, and as the chorus kicked in the entire O2 joined together in unison to belt out the classic chorus. It was quickly followed by another track from Californication, although once again it was surprising choice. The fast-paced verse of ‘Right On Time’ added yet more variety to a set that was diverse from start to finish, even allowing Klinghoffer to show off his unique voice on backing vocals.

As the four-piece continued to bounce around on stage with endless energy, the crowd waited in anticipation for the Chili’s big hits - and they weren’t disappointed. ‘Californication’ set the O2 off again, with the whole crowd singing along to that hilarious chorus: “First born unicorn / Hard core soft porn / Dream of Californication.” But with the end nearing there was still time for the thrashing verses and the irresistibly catchy chorus of ‘By The Way’. 

After a short break, Chad Smith returned on stage for an epic drum jam before the rest of the Chili’s joined him for the obligatory encore. The encore began with ‘Under The Bridge’ - Kiedis’ stunning emotional ode to narcotics -  before finishing the gig with the funky, breakneck speed of ‘Give It Away’, providing a rousing conclusion to an impressive set. With songs such as ‘Don’t Forget Me’, Can’t Stop’, ‘Parallel Universe’, ‘Around the World’ and ‘Breaking The Girl’ not making the setlist, many would have willed the Chili Peppers to go on for another hour. Whilst Red Hot Chili Peppers have their critics, there is no denying that they have plenty of great tunes and, perhaps more importantly, they know how to translate them into an electric and entertaining live show. On this showing, the Chili’s have many years left in them yet.