Abu Dhabi music lovers warmed up the capital’s newest concert venue with a performance by The Red Hot Chili Peppers.
The US rock stalwarts made their Gulf debut on Wednesday in front of an enthusiastic crowd at The Arena on Yas Island.
It was a landmark moment for the UAE concert scene. Gone are the days when a UAE concert goer would have to wait for the cooler weather to see a live rock spectacle.
Indoors and well ventilated, The Arena is set to herald a new era where quality concerts can now come to the capital all year round.
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Performing as part of Abu Dhabi Showdown Week, the Chilis hit the stage with zeal fit for the occasion.
Limbering up with funky instrumental introduction, it didn't take too long for the group to hit their rhythm with the punchy one-two opening songs Can't Stop and The Zeyphr Song.
It sparked a mass dance-along between the band and crowd that lasted throughout a set filled with some of the hits from the band’s three-decade career.
And what about the vibe of Abu Dhabi’s newest performance space? It is terrific.
The Arena, with a capacity for 16,000 people, didn’t feel too cavernous. The speakers were powerful and fans were able to savour RHCP’s propulsive songs, anchored by the powerful drumming of Chad Smith.
This could surely be the beginning of a wonderful musical relationship.
