Photo Credits: Chris Pamatian
Florida’s unpredictable weather couldn’t damper the energy looming through the Camping World Stadium on September 15, 2022. Although being delayed for several hours because of severe thunderstorms in the area, triple-threat act of the Unlimited Love Tour with Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Strokes and Thundercat fetched the heat back to the sunshine state for an electric night.
As the rain started to soothe, fans quickly found their seat to enjoy the opening act, Thundercat. Based in Los Angeles, California, lead singer and bass guitarist Stephen Lee Bruner blends progressive soul with powerful electronic riffs. Opening with “Lost In Space/Great Scott/ 22-26,” a calm melodic intro track. Behind Bruner and his band was a striking giant cat structure with laser eyes pointing at the audience. Despite having a shorter set because of weather delays, Thundercat put on nothing short of a brilliant and funky show, closing with “Them Changes,” the lead single off his 2017 album, Drunk.
Thundercat:
Stephen Lee Bruner (Thundercat): Lead Vocals, Bass
Justin Brown: Drums
Dennis Hamm: Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Setlist:
1. Lost In Space/Great Scott/22-26
2. How Sway
3. Them Changes
Following a steady set change, New York natives, The Strokes, were up next to take the stage. Drawing influence from classics such as the Ramones, groovy rock, and elements of synth-pop, embellished the band’s recognizable sound. Opening with “The Modern Age,” off their 2001 debut album Is This It, the audience was drawn to move to the catchy rhythm. Couples embraced in the light rain to the compelling voice of frontman Julian Casablancas. The stage was set with small pillars projecting vibrant and sparkling visuals off the main screen. Playing hits across their discography such as “Under Control,” “Juicebox,” and “The Adults Are Talking,” The Strokes set a lively mood for the Chili Peppers, closing the night with “Last Nite.”
The Strokes:
Julian Casablancas: Lead Vocals
Nick Valensi: Lead/Rhythm Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Albert Hammonds Jr.: Rhythm/Lead Guitar, Keyboards, Backing Vocals
Nikolai Fraiture: Bass
Fabrizio Moretti: Drums, Keyboards
Setlist:
- The Modern Age
2. Bad Decisions
3. Under Control
4. Juicebox
5. The Adults Are Talking
6. Last Nite
Whether you have been following since the self-titled debut in 1984, or recently tuned in for Unlimited Love, the Red Hot Chili Peppers host an unparalleled discography. The band has received a total of twenty-five awards and sixty-five nominations worldwide, including a Grammy for their 2006 release, Stadium Arcadium. Frontman and lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis, along with bassist Flea, formed the band in 1983, freshly out of high school in Los Angeles. With influences rooted from punk to classic rock, the band took musical reference from artists such as Black Flag and Jimi Hendrix. After redefining their musical style, the Red Hot Chili Peppers quickly took the world by storm, becoming one of the most influential bands of all time, selling over 120 million records worldwide.
It was hard to spot an empty seat in the stadium. Fans rocked new merchandise releases through the aisles of the floor, from tote bags to hoodies. As the lights dimmed, the general admission crowd fumbled and pushed their way to the rails of the barricade, trying to get as close as possible to the stage. Bassist Flea, formally known as Michael Peter Balzary, runs out of the shadows sporting a vibrant purple jersey and a sticker slapped on his bass stating “Support Your Local Freak.” Fans cheered and laughed while Flea welcomed the crowd with his well-known preshow antics. Lead guitarist John Frusciante and drummer Chad Smith warmed up with their intro jam. Last to take the stage was lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis, never short of a thunderous entrance.
The Peppers opened with “Around The World,” a hit track off their 1999 release Californication. Running through different eras of their sound, the setlist was filled with both radio classics and deeper cuts from their earlier albums. “Dani California,” “Scar Tissue,””, and “Snow (Hey Oh)” all had the audience singing along with full chest. From ceiling to photo pit draped an electrifying visual screen, shifting from psychedelic colors to harsh graphics resembling TV static. Closing with the timeless “Give it Away,” the entire crowd bounced and jolted to the funk rhythm. Despite being one of the biggest names in music, the Chili Peppers were anything but shy of thanking and giving a humble applause to their supporting acts for the Unlimited Love Tour. Before saying their goodbyes, the band bolted out for a final encore with none other than “By the Way.”
As the gates opened to exit the venue, fans left thrilled to look through their photos and reminisce on the night. For any funk or classic rock fan, this show is a must see. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Thundercat and The Strokes trek on to their next stop in Arlington, Texas for their final stop on their global stadium tour.
Red Hot Chili Peppers:
Anthony Kiedis: Lead Vocals
Flea (Michael Balzary): Bass, Backing Vocals, Trumpet, Piano
John Frusciante: Guitars, Backing Vocals, Keyboards
Chad Smith: Drums, Percussion
Setlist:
1. Intro Jam
2. Around The World
3. Dani California
4. Scar Tissue
5. Aquatic Mouth Dance
6. Snow (Hey Oh)
7. These Are The Ways
8. I Remember You (Ramones Cover- John Frusciante Solo)
9. Wet Sand
10. Soul To Squeeze
11. Me & My Friends
12. Throw Away Your Television
13. Tell Me Baby
14. The Heavy Wing
15. Black Summer
16. Californication
17. Give It Away
Encore:
18. By The Way
Follow Thundercat Online:
Follow The Strokes Online:
Follow Red Hot Chili Peppers Online:
Hey! My name is Karena Quintero and I am a concert photographer and reviewer based in Orlando, FL. I am currently pursuing my degree in Journalism and Advertising. I have been writing all my life and pursuing photography in my later years of college. As a young girl in high school, I realized I couldn’t just be a fan, I had to be there to tell the story!
