AP Photo/Manu Fernandez

An already-energized crowd was made even more so by the strange pre-show performance of Carrie the Salsa Dancing Dog. Only at Bonnaroo could such a thing lead directly into latest hit "Monarchy of Roses." Marking a long-overdue notch on the festival's headliner ledger, the Chili Peppers played with a vigor levels above their usual arena tour stop.

Flea leapt around and played his bass like a man possessed, as transitions into classics like "Can't Stop" received rhythmically conscious extended intros. The core four of the band brought new dimensions with a fuller sound broadcasted through the inclusion of keyboard player and an additional percussionist.

"Come on, Tennessee, yeah! Be kind and gentle to your neighbor," implored a smiling Flea introducing drummer Chad Smith, who soloed straight into "Dani California." Anthony Kiedis' shirt made it through exactly two songs.

The latest entry into the Chili Pepper discography, I'm With You, seemed to produce the premium cohesiveness possible within the instrumental unit, which made sense, seeing as it's the first album featuring new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. Tracks like "Look Around" and "The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie" thundered with a fresh RHCP brand funk.

"Last night I was standing out there, and Radiohead was so fucking beautiful," remarked Flea, once again pointing out to the capacity-filled main stage field before launching into "Throw Away Your Television."

A field of lighters ignited the cool southern night as Kiedis cooed the opening lines of the building "Under The Bridge," which was immediately followed by their mid-set rendition of rollicking jumper "Higher Ground".

After closing out the primary set with a mosh-baiting "By The Way," Flea came out walking on his hands for the encore, eventually flipping his stance and leading the band into a jam resulting in "Suck My Kiss." Two songs later, the Chili Peppers said goodbye to the Bonnaroo masses with live staple "Give It Away," walking off stage with cheers and fireworks popping out from all directions.

It's not every band that has the pull and status to hold down Bonnaroo's coveted Saturday night headlining slot. And although Red Hot Chili Peppers as a group are older than the festival itself, there's still only so many new ventures for a veteran act like themselves to hold court over. As a result, the give-it-all effort put forth by the Chili Peppers will go down in Bonnaroo lore as another worthy addition to fest's, and the band's, storied lineage.

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Link:

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bonnaroo 2012: Veteran Rockers Give It Their All