Photograph: Aaron Parsons Photography/The Guardian In 2022, it’s rare to see guitar solos met with such rapturous applause, and it is softly subversive that a band whose unmistakable sound incorporates Jimi Hendrix, Gang of Four, freeform jams and hardcore punk is playing such enormous venues.Īnthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers in Manchester.
Frusciante seems to inspire their best work and on this year’s more reflective album, Unlimited Love, has made them sound both gentler and heavier. There’s barely a pause before the Chilis’ own anthems – Around the World, Dani California and the rarely played Universally Speaking – get hands in the air.įlea, funky drummer Chad Smith, uncompromisingly ’tached singer Anthony Kiedis and guitarist John Frusciante have played together since the 80s and, with the latter touring with them for the first time in 15 years, their chemistry is obvious. A blistering opening instrumental of Joy Division’s Shadowplay nicely acknowledges the Manchester band’s influence and thrills the 50,000-strong regional crowd. Still, the Chilis hit the ground running. ‘D ue to unforeseen circumstances, A$AP Rocky will now play immediately after Red Hot Chili Peppers,” read digital screens around the stadium, causing some audience bewilderment.
