From the first notes of By The Way, the passion and energy shone through. With Jack Fox on drums (and lending his voice on backing vocals), Charlie Whitaker on bass, Daz Johnson on guitar and Josh Robson on vocals, the band moved like they belonged to each other: tight, mischievous, and dangerously in love with the groove, slipping from the raw funk of familiar hits to the hidden gems of the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ discography.

It is evident that the Red Hot Chilipinos are not trying to be a carbon copy of the iconic group they honour, but are encompassing their own experience of the band. Having their own quirky onstage personas helped them make a connection with the audience, as well as ensure the crowd stayed tuned to what was happening on stage. Their set was complimented by the lighting set around them, streaks of amber and deep blues painted the room, giving the music space to breathe.

The band tore through the setlist, that balanced the singalong anthems with with well chosen surprises, from bouncing through Aeroplane with a loose, funky swagger that had the room clapping on the off beat to settling into a melancholic shimmer of Californication where Josh’s voice softened just enough to let the melody hang between the lights. Performance highlights include Josh delivering both aggression and tenderness, while Jack’s backing harmonies added depth at crucial moments. Daz navigated crunchy hooks and delicate fills, bringing out the character of each song rather than copying exact solos. Charlie’s low-end was the night’s anchor, warm and elastic, pushing tempos and locking with the kick drum. Jack’s playing combined precision with flair, driving dynamics with crisp notes, tasteful fills kept the crowd moving while also allowing quieter parts to breathe. 

Whether you showed up for the Red Hot Chili Peppers or the Red Hot Chilipinos, you left with ringing ears, a hoarse voice, and a grin that refused to fade; familiar favourites were sung with heart and energy, and overall it was a fantastic night from the lads.