Red Hot Chili Peppers members Flea and Anthony Kiedis play on stage with drummer Chad Smith sporting a big ‘ole smile while on stage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. Photo: @lmsorenson
The last time the Red Hot Chili Peppers were in Salt Lake City, it was long, long ago at the Delta Center in 2006. Now, in 2024 at the newly rebranded Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, the sun is high and the parking lots are filling up as tens of thousands of fans arrive and head in from all angles to the outdoor venue.
Bag checks, merch lines and $14 beers await the masses making it to their designated areas. As the sun slackens, duo Domi and JD Beck starts it all off. The keyboard-and-drums pair do quick introductions and get right to it with intense jazz tracks. As they finish a song and prepare for the next, they thank the Red Hot Chili Peppers for having them come for this stop on the tour. JD Beck comments, “It should be illegal for the sun to be this bright,” as the stage gets the full brunt of the sun beaming down on the venue. Passionate jazz continues as attendees get their beverages, and just as soon as the music started, the sun heads down and they finish up their set.
Next up to the stage is the Red Hot Chili Peppers. An intro riff starts up as the members come on stage, just missing Anthony Kiedis… The instrumentals come to a head and “Can’t Stop” finally kicks in, as Kiedis joins the band to an uproar of applause. The other band members don’t miss a beat as they play on, continuing with “The Zephyr Song.” Chad Smith on the drums keeps an eye on everyone as bassist Flea runs the gamut of the stage, guitarist John Frusciante provides some backup vocals, Chris Warren commands the keyboard and Kiedis keeps wailing on that mic at center stage.
Palpable enjoyment is thick in the air as the majority of the crowd, from the GA pit to the far-reaching grass area, are on their feet and swaying along with the music as “Snow (Hey Oh)”blares out into the fading heat and the sun over the hills. After not having visited the Salt Lake Valley for quite some time, this RHCP appearance was both welcome and cathartic as evidenced by all the smiles, good vibes and of course, the ticket sales.
Photos by Logan Sorenson | @lmsorenson
Domi and JD Beck comment on the blaring sun during their set at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. Photo: @lmsorenson
Supporting musical duo Domi and JD Beck take the stage in Salt Lake City. Photo: @lmsorenson
The Red Hot Chili Peppers appear on stage just as the sun goes down and the volume goes up. Photo: @lmsorenson
Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers sings on the mic center stage just in front of drummer Chad Smith. Photo: @lmsorenson
John Frusciante plays guitar on stage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Photo: @lmsorenson
The Red Hot Chili Peppers during their opening songs, playing on stage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. Photo: @lmsorenson
Flea, bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, plays in front of a blast of white light from the stage as he is in the zone, looking down at his instrument. Photo: @lmsorenson
Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers sings into the mic, captured at a distance with a few fans at the front of the stage. Photo: @lmsorenson
Drummer Chad Smith gives guitarist John Frusciante a smile as they begin to play a new song while on stage with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: @lmsorenson
Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers is captured in between the crowd as he sings center stage. Photo: @lmsorenson
Flea plays bass, Chad Smith plays drums while shouting a lyric and Anthony Kiedis sings with mic in hand while on stage in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: @lmsorenson
Flea stands with a wide stance playing bass in front of the fans, with Chad Smith playing drums to the side while on stage in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: @lmsorenson
Red Hot Chili Peppers members Flea and Anthony Kiedis play on stage with drummer Chad Smith vocalizing toward Kiedis while he roams the stage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. Photo: @lmsorenson
Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers plays drums on stage at the Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre. Photo: @lmsorenson
The Red Hot Chili Peppers play on stage in Salt Lake City as tour photographer David Mushegain shoots some images towards the crowd, just behind Flea. Photo: @lmsorenson
Bassist Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers sports a shirtless look with a yellow fabric skirt as he plays with drummer Chad Smith right behind him in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: @lmsorenson
Singer Anthony Kiedis lifts his mesh shirt over his head while singing at the mic next to bassist Flea and drummer Chad Smith as they play on stage. Photo: @lmsorenson