As far back as I can remember, my most captivating summers have been brimming with friends, food, love, and music. And somewhere between the sand in my toes, car rides with the windows down, and nights staring up at the stars, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have been part of the soundtrack to those adventures.
At the open-air stadium of Nationals Park on Sept. 8, warm temperatures and clear skies welcomed the “boys of the summer” to a sold-out show in Washington D.C. Their signature mix of alt-rock, funk, blues, and hip hop has brought “Californication” to every corner of the globe for almost 40 years, a testament to their family-like relationship, evident in their on-stage chemistry.
Watch the official music video for “Can’t Stop” by Red Hot Chili Peppers on YouTube:
Bassist and original band member Flea opens the show with his limitless energy, leaping from one end of the stage to the other. Drummer Chad Smith and Guitarist John Frusciante join him for Intro Jam. Long-time frontman Anthony Kiedis arrives, not far behind, to a roaring crowd. Can’t Stop, one of their most recognizable records led us into a magical night of nostalgia and the hopes of an endless summer.
Intro Jam
Can’t Stop
Dani California
The Zephyr Song
Here Ever After
Charlie
These Are the Ways
Snow ((Hey Oh))
Parallel universe
Soul to Squeeze
Right on Time
Otherside
The Heavy Wing
Black Summer
Californication
Give It Away
ENCORE:
I Could Have Lied
By the Way
Below are images from a nostalgic night with openers The Strokes, Thundercat, and headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers at Nationals Park on Sept. 8, 2022. All images and words copyright and courtesy of Shedrick Pelt.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Strokes
Thundercat
