Red Hot Chili Peppers at the Gorge
We headed back to the magnificent Gorge Amphitheater for the second weekend in a row for one of our most favorite bands. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were performing a sold-out show for their recently started Unlimited Love Tour. We were a little more relived walking into the venue knowing that the high winds would be no issue at the event tonight unlike last weekend. The breathtaking backdrop of the Columbia River Gorge was worth the drive out from Seattle and being able to catch the Chili Peppers was going to be the extra treat.
Last time we caught the band was back in 2017 when they were still touring with guitarist Josh Klinghoffer so this would be the first time seeing them after the return of John Frusciante. Frusciante joined back in 2019 after a 10-year absence and the last two records were recorded with him. Return of the Dream Canteen was also recorded at the same time as Unlimited Love and released in 2022 as well. The band noted that they recorded so many songs in the studio that it felt right to release two things that complimented each other so well.
A little before nine and right before the magical sunset of the day the band took the stage. First, Chad Smith and John Frusciante with Flea, walking on his hands, came out to perform their Intro Jam as they warmed up and got into the groove. After that Anthony Kiedis joined the group and kicked off with “Can’t Stop,” to a loud applause and high energy. This is probably one of the best songs to start their show and after they played one of my favorite ones, “The Zephyr Song,” that paired with the backdrop so well felt like I was being lifted off the ground and carried away with a magic carpet to enjoy the view from above.
The night was full of moving around and singing along to some of our favorite tunes while watching the band project the same momentum as they did back in the 90s. This is probably something that will never change and we appreciate it and keep coming back for it. Kiedis was wearing a boot but still ran around the stage dancing with his mic stand wearing white shorts that had a Playboy design on them. Flea had a noticeable sticker on his bass and when he wasn’t running around or jumping in the air we could read, ‘Support your local freak,’ that we absolutely agree with. They played a good amount of their hits and covered many songs from their mass discography. We did miss “Other Side,” but heard it back at the Key Arena in 2017 from the pit so can’t ask for much more than that.
Their main set ended with hits, “Californication,” and “By the Way,” as the devoted fans threw their hands in the air emphasizing their agreement with the lyrics. The Chili Peppers returned for their encore with a killer execution of “Under the Bridge,” and “Give It Away,” leaving us wanting so much more. Hearing these songs really does take us back to another time and place and as those memories rush through, we let those emotions take over and for a second we can almost feel the same. These shows now take another meaning for many of us that have grown up with the years of the band and feel fortunate to be able to still see them play for us. Make sure to get them if they come your way, they still have so much to give!
