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Rating: November 30, 2006, 9:10 PM.
John Frusciante, with a shaved head and checkered shirt, takes the stage of the DatchForum. From that moment, the journey back through the history of one of the most famous and talked-about bands of recent decades begins. Fortunately, after the last few years when the four limited themselves to playing their recent repertoire, almost completely ignoring the great songs that marked the first part of their career, the Red Hot Chili Peppers return to hit hard.
Indeed, from By The Way and Californication, we hear only the best. Perhaps the band has realized that “The Zephyr Song” or “Otherside” performed at a concert have little to say, and Anthony struggles to recreate the magic of certain still very good pieces. This is also true for the latest “Stadium Arcadium,” from which “Warlocks”, “Charlie”, and “Readymade” are drawn, showing their best and most engaging side in the live setting. Of course, “Dani California” and “Snow” are not missing, but it should not be overlooked that the single “Tell Me Baby” was not performed; a decision unthinkable until a couple of years ago. The songs from the latest album perhaps lend themselves better to the group's new attitude and are played with a completely new vehemence. This also happens with “By The Way” and “Don’t Forget Me”, truly powerful, with Flea's acrid bass in the foreground. The former, in particular, is perhaps the song that involved the audience the most; after all, it is perfect for concerts.
What we are witnessing, in a few words, is a surge of energy like it hasn't been felt in a long time. Frusciante is in dazzling form, starting with an engaging intro and throughout the concert offering endless acid riffs and solos; perhaps the most memorable are those of “Parallel Universe” and “Wet Sand”.
It is John who steers the game; as soon as he decides to play in a certain way, the band follows him without hesitation because he is the heart, the creative core of the group. This fact can also be noticed in the latest album, very different in approach from its predecessor.
The guitarist's leadership, always and still humble and fun, is supported by a first-rate rhythm section. Chad Smith, besides entertaining with his antics and the gag where he wears Materazzi's jersey, creates a very large sound volume, always with power and precision.
Flea is really excited, his granite bass explodes in “Higher Ground”, a moment of great intensity for long-time fans; but it remains excellent even in the less fiery passages.
The downside comes with Anthony Kiedis's voice; the guy has improved, even quite a bit, but in some songs like “Can’t Stop” you can feel he could have done better. Also because in “Dani California” he even messes up the words. But this is an old problem.
Another positive note is the revival of historic pieces like “Higher Ground”, “Funky Monks”, “Me & My Friends” and especially in the finale, “Sir Psycho Sexy” (as requested by the fans) and “They’re Red Hot”. Finally, the group gives the right value to what they did in the past. After the initial surge, there are some quiet moments with “Snow”, “Californication”, and “Under the Bridge”. Softer moments but anything but sleepy. Mr. Smith's relentless rhythm is ever-present.
In short, perhaps the Red Hot Chili Peppers are a band that now survives, but seeing concerts like the one on November 30 convinces you that this is not the case. The good vibrations are too significant to think we are dealing with people in their forties. What I perceive is a still burning desire to rock, to unleash, and to bring smiles. And one thing is certain; on November 30, 2006, at the Datchforum in Assago, around 11 PM, there wasn't a single person not smiling.
Thinking about this, everything else is forgotten, and the purpose of a rock band like the Red Hot finally surfaces; TO BRING JOY.
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