What started out in 1983, The Red Hot Chili Peppers have given us a career spanning more than three decades worth of musical bliss. Although a bit more seasoned, they continue to exude the same energy that made them a staple of the Los Angeles punk rock scene of the early 80's. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band has sold well over 80 million records worldwide and continues to impress us with their punk influenced psychedelic funk sound. With Flea's signature funky baselines and Anthony Kiedis' emotionally charged lyrics, its no wonder they continue to sell out show after show, year after year. This was my first time seeing RHCP live and I was blown away right after the opening riffs of "Monarchy of Roses." They reached far into their catalog of hits including fan favorites "Otherside," "Can't Stop," and "Under The Bridge". Not to be undone by a slew of newer hits from the album I'm With You including "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie", "Monarchy of Roses", and "Look Around". A bloodied Anthony Kiedis hopped around stage during many of the songs, that damn microphone stand struck him in the temple causing him to bleed. That didn't stop the show from going on he managed to perform the rest of the show, makes you wonder how many times that has happened before.

A bloody Anthony Kiedis giving the Pepsi Center their money's worth (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

It goes without saying that as The Red Hot Chili Peppers continue to evolve so does their sound; a carousel of guitarist have always brought a unique element to the band dating way back to original guitarist Hilel Slovak and his psychadelic punk flair to John Frusciante and his penchant for being able to put out a song within minutes. Newcomer Josh Klinghoffer currently holds the reigns and brings a newer perspective to already classic songs and current collaborations. Although playing sitting down due to a broken foot, he still managed to leap out of his chair at times and give that unique element to the songs that we have grown to love.

The talented Flea rocking the bass (Photo Credit: Robert Castro)

The night started with a strong set from Band of Skulls. The English alternative group got things going with their unique take on blues rock that gave way to the perfect segway to the night's headliner.

Castro