Red Hot Chili Peppers rocks San Diego with Thundercat & HAIM

The Red Hot Chili Peppers returned to San Diego for a fun and nostalgic night of entertainment with a performance at Petco Park on July 27th… and I want you to know about the show in all its glory! The openers included fellow talented LA-based bands, Thundercat and HAIM.

Few artists in the music industry today claim to have the same originality, creativity and musicianship as Thundercat.

The LA-based bassist, singer-songwriter has been turning heads since his 2011 debut album, The Golden Age of Apocalypse; as a result, he has become one of the most in-demand collaborators in the business. Thundercat‘s sound is hard to pin down, but his main influences are clear: the jazz greats of the 1950s and 60s, especially Miles Davis and Ron Carter, and the funk and soul of the 1970s. This blend of styles is what gives Thundercat’s music its unique flavor and it’s something that he continues to perfect with each new release. While Thundercat’s albums are excellent genre-bending studies, his live shows really showcase his talent. His sets are often improvised, with lengthy jams and solos that give the audience a taste of his jazz roots. This willingness to experiment has made Thundercat one of the most exciting live acts around and something that fans can’t get enough of. It’s clear that Thundercat is a true artist in every sense of the word. He’s constantly pushing boundaries and expanding his sound, all the while paying homage to the musicians who have come before him. He is a force to be reckoned with in the music world with each new release and live show.

Next up, the HAIM sisters took the stage, an act selling out their shows left and right. People are clamoring to see the sisters perform live and hear their music! These sisters are incredibly talented musicians, each gifted vocally and multi-instrumentally, and their shows always deliver. The sisters grew up in Los Angeles and started playing music at a young age; their parents supported their musical aspirations and helped them every step of the way. As a result, the sisters quickly developed a love for performing and writing music. Their first album, Days Are Gone released in 2012, was an instant classic. It included the hit single “The Wire”, which quickly rose to the top of the charts. The album was a critical and commercial success, cementing HAIM’s place as one of our generation’s most talented and promising bands. Since then, HAIM has released two more albums, Something to Tell You and Women in Music Pt. III — both met with critical acclaim. The sisters have also been nominated for four GRAMMY Awards! HAIM’s music is a unique blend of pop, roc and R&B. Their catchy melodies and soulful lyrics have won them a devoted fanbase worldwide. HAIM’s live shows are legendary and their energy onstage is undeniable with an infectious sound — an experience not to be missed. If you haven’t seen HAIM on tour, don’t hesitate!

As one of the most renowned rock bands, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been making music that touches our hearts for decades.

Formed in 1983, this band from Hollywood has come a long way since their first album. Their unique brand of funk, punk and alternative rock has helped them sell over 80 million records worldwide and win numerous awards, even an induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012. Due to their widespread success, many people assume that the band must be tired of playing shows by now. However, this could not be further from the truth. These guys have continuously proven that they’re not just another band from L.A. and still have fun making music and touring, despite being in their 50s and 60s! The band is still rocking hard and touring in support of their 13th studio album, Unlimited Love, released last year.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for their dynamic and passionate live performances, unique sound, quirky lyrics and impressive guitar solos — not to mention their trademark dance moves during live shows. These four talented men once again blew our minds with an unforgettable night at Petco Park.

The band started off strong with a fun jam and some of their classic hits, such as “Around The World” from their Californication album, immediately getting the crowd moving and grooving. They had everyone in the palm of their hand and it was clear they were having a blast. The band’s setlist was eclectic, featuring songs from all eras of their career. Fans were also treated to some new songs, which were well-received by the audience. They had the crowd dancing and singing along from the first song to the last. It was so hard not to join the audience while photographing them among their epic stage visuals, which really added to the experience! It was obvious that they are still at the top of their game and still have plenty of good music left in them. 

Anthony Kiedis was in top form, belting out hits like “Suck My Kiss” and “Give It Away”. Flea was his usual animated self, bouncing around the stage and playing his bass with reckless abandon. Drummer Chad Smith kept the whole thing together with his rock-solid beats. And, of course, John Frusciante’s return was nothing short of triumphant. Frusciante is a true musical genius and his reunion with the Red Hot Chili Peppers was a momentous occasion for fans. His guitar playing was as virtuosic as ever; he played with such unmatched passion and intensity that it was clear he had been missed during his absence from the band. Clearly, Frusciante was also happy to be back with his old friends and the feeling was contagious. Seeing him back onstage, playing with the same fire he did in the past, was an extraordinary moment. It truly felt otherworldly. I personally was blown away by how good the band still sounded to this day. Even the lights and stage production were topnotch and the fan interaction was unparalleled. Kudos to the band for giving their fans something to talk about for weeks to come!

There are so many reasons you should attend an RHCP concert, but here are some of my reasons, especially after this night.

First, you can expect to hear all your favorite RHCP songs and some setlist twists with tracks from the new album, Unlimited Love. If you’re a longtime fan and want to relive the good old days, you’ll hear tracks from the Chili Peppers’ first five albums. You’ll also get to listen to the band’s most recent music if you’re a newer fan. You can expect to see an incredible light show and lots of mesmerizing entertainment. It’s like a colorful, fun, nonstop party. It’s an unforgettable experience wrapped in a fantastic concert. You can expect to be blown away by the band’s energy and the fans’ excitement. RHCP shows are wild, high-energy celebrations that will leave you exhausted, yet wanting even more.

When we see a band in concert, we want to feel like we’re a part of something bigger than ourselves. We want to feel that energy and be swept away by it. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are known for having highly energetic performances that engage the entire audience. We want our concerts to be an experience that will stay with us forever. Though their style has evolved significantly since their early days as a punk-funk outfit, they still know how to put on an undeniable show. And, this tour is of no exception. The band has been playing to packed arenas night after night, as frontman Anthony Kiedis’ energy and charisma are as captivating as ever. Flea stays true to his wild self, leaping and grooving across the stage. Chad Smith and John Frusciante provided the perfect foundation for the band’s funky sound. The Red Hot Chili Peppers may be getting older, but they haven’t lost any of their edges. So, this is your chance if you’ve never seen the Red Hot Chili Peppers perform or if you’re a diehard fan. Find out below if this tour is coming to your city, since it’s definitely worth the experience!

Photography by Olivia Valdes

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