Red Hot Chili Peppers / James Brown

Elly Roberts reviews

Red Hot Chili Peppers / James Brown
at the City of Manchester StadiumFriday 18th June 2004
CD: Greatest Hits (CD + DVD)Stadium rockers the Red Hot Chili Peppersblasted their way through twohours of a scintillating show in Manchester. It’s a case of better latethan never for the LA band formed in 1984. After years of cult status inthe States, they’ve finally delivered the goods and hit the big time.Sixty thousand frenzied fans flocked into the City of Manchester Stadiumto see them do their thing. Two highly successful albums and some greatsingles over the past couple of years has seen them hit thestratosphere, and come of age.

Arguably THE band of the moment, theystormed the arena with their unique blend of Punk and Funk. Taking theircues from James Brown (their support), Sly Stone, The Slits and FrankZappa, they’ve blended a unique sound. Throbbing the masses with tracksprimarily taken from their best selling albums By The Way andCalifornication, they have turned into a highly acceptable, and dare Isay it, mainstream act. As bassist Flea (right) hit the stage to do a thumpingsolo, the crash barrier was surged by thousands of hysterical teenagers.


Bodies were removed at a rate of knots .What is it about the Chili’sthat causes such as commotion? In the past they’ve been dogged bytragedy, drug abuse, personnel changes, and lewd behaviour. These eventshave overshadowed their musical credibility, but they’ve gained theirreputation as a great live act. Then something happened. Popsters AllSaints covered Under The Bridge in 1998, and did it to get them noticed. In1999, the single and album Californication took them a step further. Outcame the album By The Way in 2002, a couple of lifted singles – By TheWay and Zephyr Song, and things were hotting up again. Selling amillion copies here and the States, it’s outstanding in everydepartment.

On stage they love to showboat , jumping, strutting and air –splits, they simply command attention. Musically they’re driven byFlea’s mesmerising bass work: in reality he’s the foundation for theirnew found success. Diminutive, muscled and tattooed singer AnthonyKiedis (right) added rich vocals and chants, as he held a ‘Boston Crab‘ on themic. Guitarist John Frusciante textured with rippling and wailing riffsand picks. Drummer Chad Smith pounded away on the sticks as everythingcame together beautifully – and it was very loud.


There’s a highdegree of ethnicity about their music – it’s infectious and very catchywithout ‘selling – out ‘. Glorious harmonies kick – in at unexpectedpoints making them a masterful piece of musical DNA. Every song wasgreeted with hysteria, both on the pitch and in the stands. Great songafter song rolled out – Around The World, Otherside, UniversallySpeaking and Get On Top. In the middle they did an oldie, Brandy, an outand out mellow pop ditty, and new track Rolling Sly Stone, againfeaturing dazzling bass beats from Flea.

By now the crowd was literallyat boiling point as they jumped to the beats, and the band was lovingevery minute of it. Moving on with pace, they hit Californication whichdrew a massive response, with the entire crowd singing along. At thispoint ominous storm clouds had gathered, but the gods were kind to them.As they headed for the end, the lightshow went into overdrive, and videoscreens flashed images into the darkness. Opening the encore, Fleaplayed a peculiar trumpet solo with effects, dedicated to Ray Charles.Then it was rock all the way to the end, with Black Cross and Give ItAway. Fantastic night out – bring them back ASAP !


“Godfather of Soul” James Brown (right) was a great warm-up. For a solidhour he rolled out his hits, Sex Machine, Papas’ Got A Brand New Bag,It’s A Man’s World et al.

He never fails to impress with his tight band,backing singers, and stage antics. He’s a superb performer, but not astadium act.

Review & pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004.


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