On August 23rd, 2003 The Red Hot Chili Peppers performed to a sea of 80,000 crazed fans at Dublin’s beautiful Slane Castle, which is a perfect natural amphitheatre, set in front of the Castle itself.

Needless to say the Chilies graced the stage (enter Flea sporting his fantastic Skeleton suite) just before sundown. The fluid approach to the start of this live set is not only an indication that the Chilies are so ready for this live event, it also proves the band, now in their 20th year, are not about to simply go through the motions on stage.

Many of the songs performed at Slane felt as relevant, powerful and fresh in sound as they do on the original albums. There are moments with some of the older tunes that make you realise how much the songs have developed from their years of touring the world.

One intrigued lady who was sat a row or two behind me in the audience at the DVD screening in London whispered to a friend 'is he making love to that guitar or what?' She was of course referring to the legendary John Frusciante. 'He just oozes sexuality', she added.

There is one thing for sure though; ‘Live At Slane Castle’ witnesses a content and confident Frusciante, totally immersed in the vibe of the event. Not only are we treated to the eccentric and passionate tones of his guitar playing, John also delivers a fine solo song called 'Maybe' early on in the set.

The ever animated Flea keeps us on our toes throughout and we are even blessed with his ability to not only rip up the bass lines like no other, but perform most of ‘Give It Away’ whilst standing on top of the drum kit. Front man Keidis projects his voice in fine form and looks to be enjoying every last minute of it - both Flea and Frusciante compliment his moving lyrics with delicate and necessary backing vocals that only add to the texture of each song!

For most fans, every Chilies album holds for them a mood and emotion like a book or photo, which you can instantly relate to a certain memory or period of time. The band have delivered a testimony to their formidable live show in this release, performed with a solid conviction throughout. The film is shot and directed with an eye for capturing yet another historical and truly important Chilies moment in time.

If the ‘Funky Monks’ video released in the 90’s was a fantastic insight into the creation and making of the ‘Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik’ album, then ‘Live @ Slane Castle’ is a stunning summer night of timeless rock music performed by living legends.

Ah, by the way! - Look out for the Matrix Stylee time-slice camera technique, which highlight and enhance the energy and natural aesthetics of the band plus a cool cover of the Ramones’ ‘Havana Affair’.

Track Listing

By The Way - Scar Tissue - Around The World - Universally Speaking - Parallel Universe - Zephyr Song - Throw Away Your Television - Havana Affair - Otherside - Purple Stain - Don't Forget Me - Right On Time - Can't Stop - Venice Queen - Give It Away - Californication - Under The Bridge - Power Of Equality

Sound Options

Presented on DVD in crystal clear picture and a choice of audio settings including Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo, and Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Surround Sound, 'Live at Slane Castle' also contains an exclusive screensaver which fans can save to their desktops, when watching the DVD on their PC.

Wallpaper Tracks

The Wallpaper animated sequences, which are valuably projected on stage during the show, are available as an alternate viewing option, accessible in the extras menu on the DVD.

Give It Away - The Zephyr Song - Right On Time - Can’t Stop - Throw Away Your Television - Parallel Universe

****

Review by Webster

Related>>DVD review

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*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly