Reviews of the Toronto shows
Here are some reviews of the first RHCP show in Toronto on Monday, 25th September…apparently, that show was not something one can see every day and the people who attended it can be considered lucky.
Chart Attack said:
Welcome to the John Frusciante show, or a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, rather. Not that I’m complaining about the long-haired guitar god’s complete command of the adoring sold-out crowd at the first of two shows at the ACC. Frusciante’s screaming guitar solos brought every RHCP song to a long crescendo. And his appearance with openers Mars Volta, plus a short solo version of Simon & Garfunkel’s “For Emily, Wherever I May Find Her” halfway through the set, pushed him to the forefront of the Chili Peppers spectacle, leaving even funkadelic frontman Anthony Kiedis somewhat in the dust.
Canoe — Jam! said:
There were some non-traditional moments courtesy of Frusciante, too.
He displayed his rarely showcased but attractive voice with a version of Simon & Garfunkel’s For Emily, Whenever I May Find Her, then in the encore added shortened versions of U2’s Sunday Bloody Sunday and Nirvana’s Smells Like Teen Spirit.
The Globe And Mail said:
A guitarist was shared, but that was it. Fans of John Frusciante are a hip batch, well aware that the Jesus look-alike with a Stratocaster would be pulling double duty, starring with both opening act Mars Volta and the headlining Red Hot Chili Peppers. (He is a central and confirmed member of the latter outfit). Going halves on Frusciante was as close as the two bands got. While the veteran California funk-rockers radiated their energy, the members of the avant-metal Mars Volta kept their mojo close. The eight-piece rockestra arrived with its motor running, taking no more than eight seconds to reach full, hard speed. The “songs” were epi instrumentals — kind of a free-form Deep Purple, with Frusciante (often on his knees) working the Jimi Hendrix-Eddie Hazel vein.
Also, there is this exciting video clip of John performing with The Mars Volta. I have to link it like this, since the owner did not respond to my email. All the credits go to him, as he recorded it. Click the link below to enjoy it (faster internet connection recommended because you don’t want to end up living like me: using 40 Kbps dial-up and pulling your own hair every ten seconds!)
