Punters gathered with eager anticipation at the Perth's Optus Stadium (12 February) to witness the last stop of Red Hot Chili Peppers' Australian tour.
What seemed like an odd choice for a supporting artist, Post Malone greeted the stage full of energy with his presence.Grooving and moving his way around the stage, engaging with the audience and speaking about how grateful he was to have an opportunity to tour with RHCP, Post Malone captivated and won the hearts and attention of the crowd.
Flowing through his set performing all of his hits including 'Fall Apart', 'Circles' and 'Rockstar', he finished his set covered in sweat, beer and tears.
The sun had set, the lights went out and the crowd grew loud as bassist Flea and recently returned lead guitarist John Frusciante entered the stage. Kicking off with a heavy guitar solo that blended into one of the band's hits, 'Can't Stop', the whole stadium grew with excitement and awe as singer Anthony Kiedis joined the rest of the band onstage.
The set was blended with new songs from their recent albums 'Return Of The Dream Canteen' and 'Unlimited Love' as well as forever-loved bangers such as 'Scar Tissue' and 'Tell Me Baby'.
It became very obvious that Flea was a crowd favourite, as he jumped while slapping the bass; he was full of energy and on fire with solos slotted between songs. The boys have still got it.
There's no denying the audience's desire for the band's older songs to be the most prominent on the set list, but it was clear the band showed up with more presence and flow with their newer jams.
The band seemed to be quite comfortable performing to the almost packed-out Optus Stadium, with Anthony at one point calling out drummer Chad Smith for looking too relaxed, like he was waiting to catch a bus.
The song 'Tippa My Tongue', off the 'Return Of The Dream Canteen' album, had the crowd moving and grooving.
The band wrapped up the set, with Anthony mic dropping with the words: "My favourite thing about Perth, is you." The band exited the stage with a roaring crowd baying for more.
They re-entered to perform two more bangers: 'Under The Bridge' and 'Give It Away'. The band finished with a heartfelt goodbyes and thank yous to the crowd.
As much as the band have received backlash for not playing a few more of their much-loved oldies, I think it's important to acknowledge the band's new creations and expressions of the music they want to produce in this current moment.
We can always hold on, love, appreciate and listen to the older albums but I think we owe the band the opportunity to be open to their new creations. I grew up listening to the Red Hot Chili Peppers and I've changed a lot since my 16-year-old days singing 'Around The World' in the car, and so have they.
There's no denying the band's pure talent and legendary style from each individual member. The return of Frusciante truly highlights his unique sound and style, which he seems to deliver with ease.
As a whole, the performance was captivating and an accurate representation of their musical genius, both past and present.
