The Red Hot Chili Peppers have confirmed online speculation that the band mimed their appearance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show at the weekend.
Bassist Flea has accepted they broke their own rules about regarding their music as “sacred”, but says they were blown away by what was a “once-in-a-lifetime crazy thing”.
And he reveals they made a deliberate decision not to plug their instruments in as they guested with pop star Bruno Mars for a rendition of Give It Away.
When offering the gig, the National Football League made it clear there could be no compromise, saying the band would have to pre-record their instrumental performance and only the vocal microphones would be active.
Flea explains: “The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ stance on any sort of miming has been that we will absolutely not do it. The last time we did it – or tried to – was in the late 80s. We were thrown off of Top Of The Pops in the UK during rehearsals because we basically had a wrestling match on stage, making a mockery of the idea that it was a real live performance.
“We take our music playing seriously; it is a sacred thing for us. Anyone who has ever seen us in concert knows we play from our heart, we improvise spontaneously, take musical risks, and sweat blood at every show.”
I watched the Superbowl and the halftime show. Of course they were miming, they all bloody do it. So what do I make of his excuse that it was a “once-in-a-lifetime crazy thing”. It’s the Superbowl so yes I agree but less of the other rubbish please about your music being “sacred” and all of that. The Chilli Peppers have not been relevant for a long time. Their last album with their new guitarist didn’t exactly set the world afire, in truth neither did Stadium Arcadium. They did it for two reasons and two reasons only: to raise the profile of the band and a big wad of cash. Oh and if their music is so sacred then why play a song that’s over fucking 20 years old. Give it Away my arse.
So why do I post something like this here about a non-metal band. Who’s left of the uber-huge metal/rock bands that haven’t played the Superbowl? Metallica come to mind, I can see them doing it. Miming too, they are a stubborn bunch. Please play So What again. Goddell chokes on his pint and a wardrobe malfunction is forever forgotten. What about AC/DC? Can’t see them miming though. I think Malcolm Young would chew off his own testicle first. The Crue? Naw, not big enough and a bit too “risqué”. Def Leppard? Definitely would do it but maybe not big enough. Sabbath? Not really a party type band are they although Sharon would probably bend over backwards to get it done.
To be honest the Superbowl halftime show is a load of bollocks anyway. The actual music means little as it’s an excuse for loads of people to jump around like they’ve just had something shoved up where it shouldn’t. Mr. Goddell please now go country and leave our bands alone.
Richie.
