California Dreaming
In August 1985, Red Hot Chili Peppers played their first British show at the tiny Dingwalls club in London. They’ve been back on these shores almost every year since… and Kerrang! has been with them every step of the way. On the eve of the Californian quartet’s biggest shows ever, we look back at some of their most memorable UK performances.
Mean Fiddler, London
January 31, 1988
In 1988, La rock bands ruled the world. The Red Hot Chili Peppers didn’t look like any other band from LA and they certainly didn’t sound like any other band from LA, but for the 500 people crammed into this Harlesden venue – more used to hosting country and western shows – they represented LA rock’s future. Photographer George Chin recalls: “I had to stand on a chair at the side of the stage to photograph the show, it was so packed. The crowd were almost on the stage. They were so different to what was around at that time and my expectations were totally blown away.”
The Clarendon, London
February 22, 1988
The Chilis rounded off their triumphant ‘Uplift Mofo Party Plan’ tour in Europe with two shows at this now defunct club in Hammersmith. In celebratory mood, the Peppers broke out their favourite party trick for the shows – the infamous ‘socks on cocks’. The following day, similarly attired, the quartet would pose for the famous cover of their ‘Abbey Road EP’. Sadly, these would be guitarist Hillel Slovak’s final UK shows.
The Astoria, London
March 8, 1990
This was the Chili’s final European show promoting their ‘Mother’s Milk’ albums. They’d played the same venue and set about painting a massive paper backdrop in UV paint. Chad Smith’s drum kit was also given the treatment, as well as various parts of the stage. Just before show time they also completely painted themselves head to foot…
The Hummingbird, Birmingham
March 4, 1992
The first UK date of the band’s ‘BloodSugarSexMagik’ tour was uncomfortably packed due to a large number of counterfeit tickets being sold and used.
The heat made the show hard going for Anthony Kiedis, who was suffering with a bad chest infection at the time. Two months after thi show, mid-way through the tour’s Japanese leg, guitarist John Frusciante walked out of the band.
Reading Festival
August 28, 1994
‘Under The Bridge’ turned into genuine international superstars. Coming two weeks after the band’s appearance in front of 250,000 fans at the Woodstock II festival – with Dave Navarro manfully filling the void left by Frusciante’s departure – their first ever UK festival headlining date was also their only UK show of the year.
Subterania, London
September 27, 1995
Photographer Tony Woolliscroft recalls: “The first show on the ‘One Hot Minute’ tour was also a benefit gig for DH Peligro, the former Dead Kennedys drummer who’d briefly played with the Chili Peppers following Jack Irons’ departure in 1988, who’d been injured badly in an accident. The show itself was hot and sweaty, with Navarro handing out cups of water to dehydrated fans between songs.”
Wembley Arena, London
July 11, 1996
By the end of the ‘One Hot Minute’ tour, the Chili Peppers were ready to headline their first ever arena show. With rumours circulating that all was not well in the Peppers camp, many believed that this could be their last show: During a preshow Kerrang! interview, the band said nothing to dispel these rumours, though their backstage photo session featured the traditional tooling around. Their set featured a stunning cover of Fugazi’s ‘Waiting Room.’
Riverside Studios, London
June 11, 1999
With the release of 1999’s ‘Californication’ the Chili peppers became the biggest rock band in the world. Securing their services for a live performance of ‘Scar Tissue’ on ‘TFI Friday’ was a huge coup for host Chris Evans. For the band, this was a nice little warm-up for a late evening secret show the same night.
Camden Palace, London
June 11, 1999
Tickets were like gold dust for John Frusciante’s first UK show back with the band. Opening with ‘Emit Remmus’ – chorus ‘London in the summertime…’ – was a smart way to get an already partisan crowd onside from the off. It was as if Frusciante had never been away.
Carling Weekend Festival
August29/30, 1999 Richfield Avenue, Reading / Newsam Park, Leeds
A second Reading headline appearance was followed by the band’s first headlining slot at Leeds. Halfway through the set in Leeds, Flea told the crowd there that he had family tree ties in the Leeds/ Bradford area. He then promptly shed his clothes and played the remainder of the gig naked.
V2001
August 18/19.2001 Weston Park, Staffordshire/ Hylands Park, Chelmsford
The Peppers interrupted writing their follow-up to ‘Californication’ to headline this two-day festival. At both shows the crowd were treated to new songs from their forthcoming album with a couple of cover versions – including songs by The Germs and Siouxte And The Banshees – thrown in too. In Chelmsford, Flea also conducted the crowd in an impromptu sing-a-long of children’s favourite ‘Row Your Boat’.
The Garage, London
May 31, 2002
Another album, another ridiculously small club in London. During soundcheck a barrier was placed in front of the stage, but the band immediately insisted it be removed saying they wanted to play as near as they could to the crowd? Pandemonium ensued.
