By TAYLOR WOLFF
staff writer

What do you get when you combine Will Ferrell’s doppelganger, two hyperactive 54-year-olds, a walking cast and serious musical talent?
The answer is a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert. In support of their 11th studio album “The Getaway,” Los Angeles’ golden boys took to the road with a tour.
Beginning with a series of festivals and European dates, the tour made its way to Buffalo, N.Y., Friday.
Starting the evening off, founding Chili Peppers drummer Jack Irons performed an opening set on his own drum kit for those who arrived early enough to hear it.
Trombone Shorty and his band took to the stage at 8 p.m. with a handful of energized, soulful grooves to get the quickly filling arena into the mood for the main act.
After a brief pause, the Chili Peppers entered the stage. Chad Smith, Flea and Josh Klinghoffer kicked out an instrumental jam session until Anthony Kiedis joined in.
With its lead singer in tow, the band immediately delved headfirst into the ever-popular classic, “Can’t Stop,” which they followed with “Dani California” and “Scar Tissue.”
Surprising fans with a musical medley ranging from “Aeroplane” from the 1995 “One Hot Minute” album, to the 1999 Chili Peppers staple “Californication,” to songs off of the new album, the Chili Peppers and their set list did not disappoint.
The only minor flaw in the performance occurred during funk-filled tracks, “She’s Only 18” and “I Like Dirt.” Kiedis briefly found himself out of sync with the rest of the band.
This likely stemmed from a technical problem with the lead singer’s earpiece; however, with over 30 years of experience, Kiedis gracefully recovered during both and didn’t let the slip-up faze him too much.
Despite this minor flaw, it was apparent that everyone in the band was present and ready to put on a great show.
With the combined experience of all four members, the showmanship of the Chili Peppers was outstanding.
Even though Smith was behind a drum set for the entire show, his performance was still entertaining.
Not once missing a beat, Smith spiced things up with various tricks throughout the set.
Kiedis didn’t let his walking cast hinder his performance. When he wasn’t singing, the 54-year-old was dancing and skipping around the stage like a first-grader at recess. When he was singing, Kiedis belted out every song with an almost electric amount of enthusiasm and hit just about every note.
It is pretty well known that Flea bounces around the stage like a jumping bean, but words cannot describe the amount of energy he exudes.
If he wasn’t already amazing for his energetic playing, the 54-year-old walked across the stage on his hands when returning for an encore.
Making the experience special for the fans, the bassist even included some banter about Buffalo and performed a brief song about the city. Flea, without a doubt, stole the show.
While Klinghoffer didn’t add much to the atmosphere with physicality or his muted and somewhat lackluster vocals, the LA native can shred on a guitar.
Although the band was at its best with former guitarist John Frusciante, Klinghoffer gets the job done.
Visually, the show was unique. The screens behind Smith’s drum kit blended colorful videos of the band with various illustrations to create an artistic take on the classic concert display.
The most interesting technical aspect of the show was hundreds of candle-like lights that were suspended above the band and into the audience.
These lights moved in an array of displays varying from wave-like motions to those reminiscent of a waterfall.
The lighting rig was probably best enjoyed from the pit, but the view from the right side of the stage was utterly impressive.
Wrapping up the visually pleasing, funk-filled journey, the Chili Peppers performed “Give It Away.”
This was the best song of the entire show. The band was hyped beyond belief and its electric energy was matched by the audience, ending the performance on a musical high note.
After the conclusion of the song, Kiedis thanked fans before exiting; however, what happened next isn’t very common at most concerts.
Instead of following Kiedis off the stage, Flea took to the mic to also thank the audience before making his own exit.
Smith stayed as well, launching drumstick souvenirs into the crowd.
Before exiting, Smith also gave the audience a heartfelt sendoff, expressing how much gratitude the band has for its fans.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers did not disappoint whatsoever. Every song was strong, the atmosphere created by the stage personas of Flea, Anthony Kiedis and Chad Smith took fans to an energetic high, and the entire experience was entertaining and fun.
What makes a Chili Peppers’ show special is how much the band cares for its fans. If the energy each member puts into its performance isn’t an indication, the individual sendoffs should be.

TAYLOR WOLFF
[email protected]