Red Hot Chili Peppers rock Abu Dhabi Arena

By Eudore R. Chand

ABU DHABI 5 September 2019: American rock legends Red Hot Chili Peppers wowed the crowds at The Arena on Wednesday night, in the first Yas Island mega concert held as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Showdown Week.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers thrilled fans during their first-ever UAE gig with a typically funky and energetic list of hit songs from their 36-year career at the summit of rock.

The four-piece band, whose line-up includes charismatic singer Anthony Kiedis, iconic bassist Flea, long-time drummer Chad Smith and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, drew huge cheers from The Arena crowd when they opened with Can’t Stop, before launching into classics Otherside, By The Way and Californication – the title track from the 1999 album, which is marking its 20th anniversary this year.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), Abu Dhabi Showdown Week is a seven-day entertainment festival featuring a host of superstar concerts and mixed martial arts events, activities and promotions to complement the mega UFCâ 242: Khabib vs. Poirier event on September 7.