The Red Hot Chili Peppers paid a visit to a sold-out Verizon Center on April 12, putting on a show celebrating a majority of the band’s discography. The band continued its tour in promotion of 2016’s “The Getaway” but, of course, did not forget about its timeless hits.
First to step onto the stage was drummer Chad Smith, wearing all red from head to toe. Next was guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, along with fan favorite bassist Flea. All three began to blast their respective instruments in a medley, until finally, leadman Anthony Kiedis took to the stage for the opening song “Around the World.”
Kiedis, mustachioed and all, remained energetic while Flea directed much of his bass slapping antics towards either end of the stage for the fans in prime location. Although full of energy and sounding as good as ever, Kiedis remained very still during his lead vocals. However, he made up for his still posture by running circles around the entire band during all sorts of solos and instrumental beats, at one point jumping on top of a speaker and enjoying the view of the crowd.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers of course played their two most popular songs,“Dani California” and “Californication.” But the audience of fans went insane as soon as the band kicked into gear for “Suck My Kiss” off of 1991’s “Blood Sugar Sex Magik,” a song truly meant to be heard live. The finale came with the electric “By The Way,” an alt-rock anthem that cuts in and out of jolting bouts of voice modulation and bass heavy grooves.
Following rousing applause and a flurry of phone flashlights, the group returned for a short but sweet encore that finished with “Give it Away,” a captivating end to a fun night for everyone in attendance.
Chad Smith grabbed the microphone last after tossing his drumsticks into the crowd and asked, “So how about the Capitals, huh? Is this the year?” poking fun at the recently playoff-plagued D.C. hockey team.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers will continue their U.S. tour through July 1 before heading to Europe on July 13.
