Red Hot Chili Peppers: Live at Slane Castle

Before this DVD I was a casual Red Hot Chili Peppers fan. I own Blood, Sugar, Sex, Magik and Californication but never really thought much of them. Then I got my hands on this wonderful DVD.

The first thing I noticed being a guitarist myself was John Frusciantes part in the band. His playing on this DVD is absolutely mind blowing. He is by no means the fastest or most technically skilled player but there is really something special about it. The feel. Every time I heard him go off into his own world and improvise some of the worlds greatest solo's I was just completely drawn in. His playing is like none other. Also his vocals are really improving. Great performance on his part.

Next I noticed how strong Anthony's voice has gotten over the years. Also the vocal melodies he is able to come up with really show just how creative this man really is. Also he is a great showman and really looks like he is enjoying himself up there.

Of course Flea completely stole the show in pure showmanship. His on stage persona is just as hilarious as ever. Constantly cracking off little jokes, playing some of the funkiest bass lines, and always interacting with the crowd in someway. A real showman and his bass playing as expected is the strongest I have seen it in sometime.

Now for Chad. Very solid drummer. Very accurate, well timed drummer. He also plays some very intricate, flashy, and funky beats and seems to pull them off with complete ease and a constant grin. Very good player.

The highlight of the night for me is Johns and Flea's improvised jam just before Californication. They show what can really be done when the band members are completely in sync with each other on a musical level. When they can literally feed off each other musically. It is one of the most beautiful moments in music that I have seen. In fact throughout this entire show the band plays as if they are one. They are all very aware of each other and only let it drive them more.

From a production point of view this DVD is very well made. The camera seems to focus on each member at the right time. When a certain member is really doing something spectacular, the camera is there. This is what has ruined concert DVD's in the past for me if not properly done.It also allows for 5.1 surround as well as DTS.

In closing this is the best concert DVD made so far.

RHCP at Slane Castle is simply great. It starts out with a great jam - what do you expect from Flea and John? Plenty of awesome tracks in this video.

From By the Way to Californication to Power of Equality. RHCP are all about improvisations so every song has a certain new tune or solo to it. Check Don't Forget Me - the last two minutes of it is very melodic and reminiscing-quality tune. Or the customary intro into Californication is one of the best the Chili Peppers has managed. This video has several covers too. A full length Havana Affair to a shortened Maybe. This video has everything. It makes you jump to the bass-slapping, sit to the enigmatic Frusciante playing, hitting to Chad's drumbeats and sing to Kiedis's ever-improving singing. It is as good as being there! Check this out!

Red Hot Chili Peppers played in front of 80,000 people at Slane Castle on the 23rd of August 2003. They gave their heart and souls into that performance and it really shows on the dvd presentation of the event. Not only should the Chili Peppers be credited with the fact that their performance was fantastic, the camera work was great too - compared to their previous dvd 'Off the map' which show cased some shoddy camera work.

Performing 18 songs including "around the world", "scar tissue", "venice queen" and going back to the favourites "give it away", the classic "under the bridge" and also "power of equality", this dvd is recommended to anyone who is a chili peppers fan or a new fan, or even someone who has never been to a Chili Peppers' concert, this will show viewers what the Peppers are made of.

Anthony Kiedis, Flea and Chad Smith have more energy than any other 41 year old performers and John Frusciante plays his guitar with such passion that cannot be matched with other current guitarists. This video is worth your time and money.

Since i bought this DVD i have to admit i have been watching it once and again.You can't find any boring moment in this new RCHP concert. Songs such as Universally Speaking,Otherside or Don't forget me sounds even better than in their original releases.Frusciante's guitar is absolutely magic in Throw away your television or the now classic Give it away.Anthony Kiedis sings even better than the old days and Flea makes the humorous line adding his magical bass play too.The rhythm section by Mr Chad Smith is gorgeous too making one of the best faithful drummers in the RCHP history.People from all ages will find this DVD very entertained and showing one more time that rock and harmony has always been compatible.The Red Hot Chili Peppers are without a doubt the best band for me actually and this dvd can confirm it.One more thing...don't lose the intro by Flea and Frusciante in Californication...John Frusciante is by far the best guitarist in all music history along with Jimi Hendrix...of course it's only my opinion.

Best live rock performance on DVD, period! The energy, sound and for that matter, the entire production is first rate! High Def. cameras are used throughout. If you like the RHCP's, why don't you own this? If you're on the fence, you WON'T be disappointed!!! Flea is an animal!!! Chad is one of the best drummer's alive!!! John is the most underrated guitarists in the world. Even with all his dancing around, he NEVER messes up. You can't tell me that Anthony hasn't refined his craft, too!!! As far as I'm concerned, they are at the pinnacle, of their abilities! A perfect, recent example is that when they played 'Dani California' on SNL, it was so tight, flowing and funky! The sign of a great band is when they sound better live, then recorded. Do yourself a favor, check it out!!!