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Dear Readers,
It has come to my attention that there have been many negative reviews and feelings expressed about the Red Hot Chili Peppers concert in JHB on the 02/02/2013.
Although there were issues of congestion and smoking that definitely took place within FNB stadium, I find the way in which people are so eager to complain about the very petty things of the evening, what to me was a completely flawless thanks to both Die Antwoord and moreover by the Red Hot Chili Peppers themselves, very disheartening.
My experience was very different to many of those who have complained about the bad sound, the queues and the very minor fact that they did not play Scar Tissue. I am not criticizing those who had reason to complain because perhaps they were not given the opportunity to enjoy the concert as much as both myself and my family did. But on that note, I feel that it is direly important to give Big Concerts and RHCP some positive feedback for what to me was an absolutely incredible evening in every sense of the word.
My first real experience with RHCP was as a result of my older brother in 1999. (We attended the concert together). He introduced me to their music when I was aged six; my first memory being the song “Under the Bridge” which he had come across through his group of friends. From then both this song and “Californication” (among others) were continuously heard playing the crack of his bedroom door. The Red Hot Chili Peppers is a band I have literally grown up on, so to me, walking into FNB stadium to the loud screams of over 80 000 people was a truly surreal feeling. That feeling was lifted to greater heights when RHCP walked (or more like jumped) on stage led by basist Flea and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer and after a rocking intro – lead singer, Anthony Kiedis. The shrieks of joy by all literally shook the stadium.
They played all of my favourite songs including ‘Dani California’, ‘Monarchy of Roses’,’ Californication,’ ‘Otherside’ and more; but there was nothing more incredible than singing ‘Under the Bridge’ together with my fellow 80 000 spectators. In my opinion this is what truly united all of us together in the stadium and in addition symbolized the true definition of what RHCP’s tour was all about- “I’m with you,” together as one we stand celebrating the greatness of one of today’s biggest rock legends.
In a final word I would just like to comment on the omission of Scar Tissue by the band; it was mildly disappointing BUT we could not have expected them to fit in ten albums of musical perfection into a single two hour concert. I think we should rethink the complaints about the petty things and just appreciate the fact that such a brilliant band actually took the time and chose to come to South Africa after so many years. So friends and fellow fans, in retrospect just appreciate the opportunity we were so kindly treated too so that we can hope that both RHCP and other bands will feel welcome and come again to our beautiful country.
There is literally nothing more satisfying than being able to fulfil a lifelong childhood dream – Thank you Red Hot Chili Peppers for a most spectacular and mind blowing performance! It was an honour to have you play for us here in South Africa.
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