Photos by Andy Argyrakis

From headlining Lollapalooza to selling out the sheds, Red Hot Chili Peppers always attract a massive audience, but believe it or not, the alternative rock veterans had yet to stop by Soldier Field since getting starting in the 1980s. 

The funky alternative rock veterans would’ve probably filled it to capacity in any case, but having guitarist John Frusciante rejoin front man Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith after a decade away definitely didn’t hurt, nor did strong supporting slots from garage rockers The Strokes and soulful singer/songwriter/bassist Thundercat. 

Nonetheless, all eyes were on the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers as they entered to an explosive instrumental jam that paved the way for a hit-filled opening of “Around The World,” “Dani California” and “The Zephyr Song” in front of a multi-dimensional screen that was angled ever so cleverly like a waterfall. 

The group also unveiled tons of new material from 2022’s reunion record, “Unlimited Love,” such as “Aquatic Mouth Dance,” “These Are The Ways,” “The Heavy Wing” and “Black Summer,” all of which charged ahead with rollicking riffs and rumbling rhythms that fell right in line with the other ageless anthems.

Though newer tunes and deeper tracks made the middle portion probably feel unfamiliar to the more casual masses and would’ve benefited from say the absent “Scar Tissue,” “Otherside” or “Soul To Squeeze,” it ended like it began with the smashes “Californication” and “Give It Away,” featuring the interplay of each animated member, along with chances for the crowd to go crazy. 

All those characteristics climbed up another level by a thrilling encore of “Under The Bridge” and “By The Way,” both set to a steady glow of practically everyone’s phone lights as they fully cemented Red Hot Chili Peppers’ place as certified stadium fillers.

As far as being seasoned musicians are concerned, The Strokes are coming up on their heels now that it’s been 20 years since breaking through with the debut album, “Is This It.” 

The retro revivals “Last Nite,” “Take It Or Leave It,” “Someday” and “Hard To Explain” were all present and potent, plus Julian Casablancas and company shared samples from other albums leading up to 2020’s more electronically-minded “The New Abnormal.” 

Even super early opener Thundercat was worth catching thanks to trippy tracks from “It Is What It Is,” living up to the buzz that yielded Grammy Award for “Best Progressive R&B Album” as he tapped into the spontaneous side of this sunny spectacular.

For additional information on Red Hot Chili Peppers, visit RedHotChiliPeppers.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Soldier Field include Bad Bunny (Aug. 20) and Rammstein (Sept. 3). For additional details, visit SoldierField.com.

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