On Friday, May 4th the Red Hot Chili Peppers returned back to the states from a handful of Canadian shows to perform at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey for the first of two consecutive nights. Having been a huge fan since I was just a toddler, seeing them for the first time was quite an experience.

Full of vigor and a new opening band, Sleigh Bells, the show began at 8 PM on the dot with Sleigh Bells performing, who are touring with the Chili Peppers in support of their second album Reign of Terror. Although I didn’t quite enjoy their noise-pop sound that left my ears ringing for a good twenty minutes, they were entertaining to say the least.

Luckily, by the time the Chili Peppers set foot on the stage my ears were functioning properly. Opening with “Monarchy of Roses,” and song from their new album I’m With You, they started off with a bang, playing three hits in a row. Two of those, they dedicated to Beastie Boy Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch, who had died that same day. The Chili Peppers also paid homage to MCA by infusing some of the Beastie Boys riffs in between songs, most notably a jam in which they played “So Whatcha Want,” and playing numerous Beastie Boys songs during intermissions.

Although their famed guitarist John Frusciante is no longer in the band, I personally don’t think it made a difference to the performance. They played like the Chili Peppers, overflowing with a love and passion for music, which they accomplished with new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. Of course no one can fill Frusciante’s shoes, but Klinghoffer put his own style into each older song they played instead of trying to play it exactly like him, and for that I truly respect him.

Overall, the show was absolutely phenomenal. The Chili Peppers played a fantastic mix of songs from almost all of their studio albums and hits such as, “Dani California,” “Can’t Stop,” “Under the Bridge,” “Californication,” as well some of my personal favorites, “Throw Away Your Television,” “Charlie,” and “Sir Psycho Sexy.” Even though nearly all of the original members are nearing their 50s, they played with so much energy it’s almost hard to believe they’ve been a band for more than half of their lives. I look forward to seeing them perform again very soon and for many more years to come.