Red Hot Chili Peppers in Concert at Star Lake (Tues., 7/2/24)

Formed in 1983, Red Hot Chili Peppers were never just another L.A. punk band. Flea slapped as much as he plucked his bass. Anthony Kiedis rapped more than he sang. All members had a predilection for performing naked save for a strategically placed tube sock. When founding guitarist Hillel Slovak died of a heroin overdose in 1988, founding drummer Jack Irons sadly quit as well. Kiedis and Flea persevered, hiring John Frusciante on guitar and Chad Smith on drums. On September 24, 1991, Blood Sugar Sex Magik was released, the same day as Nirvana’s Nevermind, both albums heralding a mainstream breakthrough of alternative rock. Frusciante quit in 1992, wrestled with drug use, then got clean and rejoined in 1998. 1999’s Californication marked the group’s comeback. And, unlike bands that produce less new material as they age, the Chili Peppers have gotten red-hotter recently, releasing two chart-busting albums in 2022: Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen—both with Frusciante, who had re-left to focus on solo work, then re-rejoined. Catch the Red Hot Chili Peppers at The Pavilion at Star Lake, with guests DOMi and JD Beck . 7 p.m. 665 PA Route 18, Burgettstown. (C.M., M.V.)

Share on Social Media