On this summer evening, LA’s finest, iconic, funky, grooving rock band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, are set to open the season at the Toyota Amphitheater in Wheatland, CA. The multi-generational crowd was ready to funk out to the kings of funk, groove, and rock. As the seats were filling up and packing in for a night to remember, the opening act, rapper Ken Carson, set the tone for the evening with his fervent performance, making his presence known with bumping bass tracks and intent to spit hot bars into the crowd with no avail. The fire was being launched and prepped the crowd for what’s to come next, the main event.

The Peppers are on their Unlimited Love tour which began in 2022 and continues into 2024, making multiple stops across North America. Supporting the band’s double releases of 2022 titled Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen, this is the first tour for the Peppers since 2019. These Grammy-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees are giving it all to their fans on this lengthy tour, playing all the hits and some deep cuts alike with an introspective set list that spans 40 years of enduring passion and shows the reason for this band's longevity in the music industry.

And now on to the main attraction, The Red Hot Chili Peppers.  As the band hit the stage, Flea strutted out in a full handstand in a skirt and the crowd leaps up on their feet for the funky intro song followed by their massive hit “Dani California.” The songs are as I remember, a signature blend of funk, punk, and catchy feel-good vibes. This band never disappoints, delivering their chart-topping songs with polarizing deliverance with a mastery of their instruments and enthusiasm on full display for the fans. The band continues the jams with more from the newer releases as well as classics like “The Other Side” and “Scar Tissue.” Flea’s funk flair and groovy melodies were enjoyed by all with his slap bass rituals, pulsating bass lines, and flying leaps. He was in perfect unison with Anthony Kiedis' martial arts moves. Even with a medical boot on one leg, Kiedis seems to keep up with the grasshopper stage antics while delivering the multiple vocal styles he is known for.

Back in the mix is guitarist John Frusciante, a thoughtful, melodic, emotional guitarist that lends a great flavor to the Peppers' songs about love, lost friendships, and personal struggles with addiction. His hiatus from The Peppers was surely missed. Chad Smith was his usual confident self, keeping perfect time on the skins, making the low-end groove magically with Flea. Longtime touring keyboardist, Chris Warren, is always a treat to watch. The visuals were stunning; gigantic LED screens with psychedelic imagery sprawled across the stage were mesmerizing and well-executed. The energy remained high from both the band and the audience as they showcased their best tracks while delivering a stellar performance. And, of course, a bass solo made an appearance, and the anticipated biggest hits upon the encore.

This was a night to remember for all in attendance. The RHCP have stood the test of time, making it through tube socks, drug addictions, a revolving door of guitarists, and 40 years of the seedy underbelly of the music industry, only to come out shining and magical. I can see that they are on a mission to give it all away to the fans, creating a lasting impression on old and new fans. They left the audience in awe; it was nothing short of epic, and it was a shame for the night to end. You can catch up with the tour as it plunders on across North America, concluding in St. Louis on July 30th.