The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated

It is a rare moment when during a rock show, the band’s lead singer – an international bestselling author who has a voice that transcends genres and a stage presence rivaling Axl Rose’s – is overshadowed by the instrumentalists in the band. On the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ latest tour, Stadium Arcadium, that has become the norm. Anthony Kiedis, turned in a stellar vocal performance, but was nonetheless outshone by his two guitarists – Flea on bass and John Frusciante on lead. Both performed stunning solos as lead-ins to songs or as extended instrumental portions, the likes of which are hardly ever seen, if at all, in mainstream rock music. The show was essentially broken down into a jam session, with the bassist and guitarist each trying to outdo the other. Kiedis’ vocals were strong but it was Flea and Frusciante who stole the show, bringing their formidable skills to the stage, showing the audience what rock n’ roll greatness is truly about.

In a night that seemed stripped down in order to display the rawness of their musical talent. The only embellishments were the screens on stage and on the ceiling providing larger views of the band to those who did not have the good fortune of being situated front and center. But what the show lacked in literal pyrotechnics, it more than made up for with the 4- and 6-stringed acrobatics of Flea and Frusciante. In the night’s only gimmicky moment, the audience members, who were given “lighters” (battery-operated, non-flammable plastic light sticks) upon entry into the arena, were asked to light them up during the performance of “Snow”, being taped that evening. The Starry Night Effect, to coin a phrase, although having been utilized by every band to sing a slow-speed song since the 1960s – first with lighters, now with cell phones – was nonetheless effective and provided the type of low key audience participation the night warranted.

The show was dominated, as any new tour is, by the songs on the latest album. But the old favorites were not neglected. “Californication”, “Scar Tissue”, and “By the Way” were amongst the ‘older’ material featured that thrilled the captive audience – who were, like the Chili Peppers’ music itself, a tapestry of ages and styles, drawn together by a common thread. The Chili Peppers proved once again that music does not need to fit into a defined category in order to be great. There are certain universal truths in music and the Chili Peppers’ skill, consistency, and depth is one of them. The Red Hot Chili Peppers have managed to turn themselves into that rare creation – the rock band that has become mainstream in appeal, while remaining niche in its music.