For twenty-nine years the Red Hot Chili Peppers have entertained and rocked their way around the world. On Nov. 24, one of the greatest rock bands ever came to Saskatoon as part of their “I’m with You” tour.

I’ve loved the Chili Peppers since I first heard their spectacular 1999 album, Californication, when I was 10 years old. I hadn’t heard them in concert before so once their Canadian tour was announced I knew I needed to get tickets.

The 2012 inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were on stage for almost a full two hours and played some of the greatest rock and roll this city has ever heard.

Incorporating songs from their past albums as well as their 10th album, I’m with You, the concert brought almost three decades of the Chili Peppers’ music to Saskatoon.

The concert’s opening act was the Rebirth Bass Band, who came all the way from New Orleans. Incorporating the musical genres of brass band, funk, jazz, soul and hip hop into one gigantic music presentation, it was a refreshing and unique intro to what would prove to be a very entertaining night of music.

As the four members of the RHCP — Anthony Kiedis on lead vocals, Chad Smith on percussion, Joel Klinghoffer on guitar and Michael “Flea” Balzary on bass — took to the stage to perform the opening song of the night, a feeling of relentless energy filled the arena. That energy didn’t leave the arena until the final song finished echoing through the Credit Union Centre.

The event was even more impressive when you consider that three out of the four band members are at least 50 years old. They have been honing their stagecraft for 30 years and it’s refreshing to find that the energy they exude on stage hasn’t aged with them.

The Chili Peppers opened with a kick-ass rendition of “Monarchy of Roses.” The crowd screamed and yelled with every song, even singing along with Anthony Kiedis during “Under the Bridge.” And with the back-and-forth jams by Flea and Klinghoffer between tracks, the concert was truly amazing.

If you weren’t able to make it to the concert but still want to “see” the Saskatoon performance, you can buy and download a digital copy of the show from the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ website. I highly recommend seeing the show.

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Photo: Supplied