Originally published by L.S. Media. November 22nd 2011. 
L.S. Media Rating ****
Is there any band in the world like Red Hot Chili Peppers? Even individually, the four members of the band have had lives that have been so interesting, so demanding and so off the wall that reading Anthony Kiedis’ autobiography Scar Tissue is to wonder how they have survived life as well as the pressures of being in one of the top rated and musically phenomenal acts of the last 20 years.
In the second of two nights at the L.G. Arena, the band proved time and time again why they are so adored by their fans by pulling of a show of such intensity, raw musical passion and as playful as it probably was able to do.
This is how great bands do it these days, with less money coming in because of the way the industry has changed, they have to give shows that not just sound good but sound brilliant, every facet of every song poured over to make sure it gives the audience every possible reason to say admit the gig was exceptional value for money. At £50 a ticket, plus the usual unrealistic booking fee, there are some bands going who wouldn’t deliver half as much promise as the guys from the Chili Peppers did and it is a simple pleasure to see one of the finest bassist in the world, in the form of Flea doing what he does so well added in to the value for money equation.
With a set list on offer to the energetic audience that encompassed moments of pure musical expression and unbelievable talent, the Chili’s opened up a barn storming evening with Monarchy of Roses from the latest studio album I’m With You and the brilliant Dani California. From there every drum note from Chad Smith, every bass line from Flea, every crazy sweeping dance move and prowl that Anthony Kiedis made on stage was delivered to almost flawless perfection.
There was a lot on offer for the fans and yet Flea still made time to make new friends within the capacity crowd by paying homage to local heroes Black Sabbath, something that’s been overlooked by some groups in the past.
Mere words cannot express the look on fans faces as they realised time and time again what track was going to be played for them next, the sheer joy as they heard Throw Away Your Television, the enigmatic Under the Bridge, the heart rendering Charlie and the unforgettable Californication was a joy to behold and witness.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers remain one of the strongest examples of an enjoyable night out, full of pomp and just the right amount of arrogance to keep the show buzzing. It doesn’t come better than this.
Ian D. Hall