Alan Whitewood reports:
Los Angeles based funk/punk rock quartet Red Hot Chili Peppers are to headline the 2014 IW Festival on Saturday 14th June.
It is their first UK festival appearance since Reading/Leeds in August 2007 and is due to be the only one scheduled for them this year, in this country.
Having started out as a garage band called Anthem in 1983 they metamorphosed into the Peppers and first came to prominence in 1990.
Over the years their line-up has seen personnel come and go, with some even returning to the fold.
Currently, RHCP comprise founding members Anthony Kiedis (vocals) and Flea (Michael Balzary-bass guitar) plus long time drummer Chad Smith (since 1988). Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer replaced John Frusciante in 2009.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 they have amassed seven Grammy Awards. In July 2007 the band performed at the Live Earth Concert at Wembley.
Live performances under the RHCP banner led to an eponymous debut album, which failed to impress.
Their EP Abbey Road copied the famous Beatles –on –a- zebra-crossing photograph, with RHCP members dressed in a minimal manner.
Initial MTV video exposure featured their cover version of Stevie Wonder’s Higher Ground.
Not known as a singles chart act their first Top Ten placing was Give It Away in 1994. They logged two number 2 hits with By The Way in 2002 and Dani California in 2006.
Other well known songs include Snow (Hey Ho), Scar Tissue, Under the B ridge, Californication, The Zephyr Song and Can’t Stop.
Their first Number 1 album came in 2002 via By The Way , followed by Live in Hyde Park (August 2004) Stadium Arcadium (May 2006) and I’m With You (September 2011).
They are due to perform during half time at the Super Bowl XLVIII Final on 2nd February, 2014 and then they will be concentrating on their 11th studio album.