HYDE AND SEEK
Last mouth, just as Oasis stepped on stage before the Glastonbury masses; Californian survivors the Red Hot Chili Peppers electrified London’s Hyde Park with their third sellout show there in a week.
The sharp contrast between the two gigs made clear the very different fate of two rock ‘n’ roll legends.
The Peppers’ triumph is captured here in ts sweltering magnificence, an instant celebration of the battle-scarred veterans’ Indian summer career revival. Old favourites, recent mega sellers. frolicking covers (Donna Summer’s I Feel Love) and brand new songsare drawn from the three Hyde Park shows. All are dispatched with the energy and enthusiasm of a young band in their first flush of fame.
Alongside she youthful vigour there’s a wealth of wisdom and experience. Flea plays his role as the Jimi Hendrix of the bass guitar, drummer Chad Smith lays down the hammer of the gods, vocalist Anthony Keidis rides the musical dragon and guitarist John Frusciante injects melodic magic and electrifying edge.
How very different to the disastrous Oasis performance where the Gallaghers put several more nails in their coffin. Like the moaning Mancs, the Chilis have been through the bad drug and broken relationship grinder but, unlike them, they have emerged from it stronger.
Live at Hyde Park is the Peppers’ first official live recording in a 25-year career, and it’s a remarkable testament to the band’s perseverance and creativity. Ten years on from their Definitely Maybe debut, Oasis are barely a band anymore.
This is what really separates the two groupss. The Peppers have managed to unify their egos and the team spirit is what makes them great. When Noeld and Liam aren’t throwing each other out of the group, they are firing the rest of the band. That isn’t a formula for rock ‘n’ roll success and it was no surprise that, shortly after weary Glastonbury revellers shuffled back to their tents, Oasis announced their much delayed new album was being scrapped.
After satisfying 750,000 satisfied Hyde Park fans, the Peppers can complete their new album still on the career high that began with their Californication comeback.
As musclebound musos with limitless ambition, the Chills symbolise the best of the West Coast American spirit. Easily mocked perhaps, but a welcome, life-affirming alternative to overindulgent, underachieving Brit sloth.