Red Hot Chili Peppers’ music has always been tied to California throughout their 40-plus-year career, and that was on full display during the Los Angeles band’s set at the FireAid benefit concert on Thursday night (January 30th).
The FireAid benefit took place in two arenas, the Kia Forum and the Intuit Dome, with proceeds going toward rebuilding the communities that have been devastated by the recent LA wildfires.
The Chili Peppers played the Forum, delivering a four-song set comprised of “Californication,” “Dani California,” “Black Summer,” and “Under the Bridge.”
While the first two songs’ connections to California are quite obvious, the other two songs also fit into theme of the band’s set.
“Black Summer,” from RHCP’s 2022 album Unlimited Love, may not be directly tied to California, but its opening lines take on an eerie meaning considering the devastation that just took place in the Los Angeles area: “A lazy rain am I/ The skies refuse to cry/ Cremation takes its piece of your supply.”
Meanwhile, “Under the Bridge” is about singer Anthony Kiedis’ struggles with addiction, and the time he used to do drugs under a bridge, one that Kiedis has since disclosed was in downtown Los Angeles.
At one point during the set, bassist Flea — who was wearing jut a pair of underwear — told the audience, “Los Angeles is our home. We fuckin’ love you!”
Red Hot Chli Peppers’ set at the FireAid concert was among the highlights of the night, which also included a surprise Nirvana reunion and Green Day opening the show with Billie Eilish.
Watch Red Hot Chili Peppers’ full FireAid set below, as they are introduced by Stevie Nicks. Donate to FireAid at this location.