Red Hot Chili Peppers - Off The Map [DVD] [2001]

The show is consistant throughout and the Peppers perform a very favourable setlist, with a diversity of songs from old to new to please the older fans without distancing themselves from the more casual listener. The show opens up with flaming and upbeat versions of 'Around the World' and 'Give It Away' to set the pace, immediately followed by John Frusciante's 'Usually just a t-shirt' solo which precedes the gentle ballad of 'Scar Tissue'. some of the older and more obscure songs like Blackeyed Blonde, If You Have to Ask, BloodSugarSexMagik and Subterrainian Homesick Blues are played and there is also a brilliant cover of 'What is Soul' by george clinton jr. much of the newer material is also showcased like 'Californication', 'Otherside' and 'Right on Time' which balances out the concert making it more comprehensively structured and accessible. i was particulary impressed with the live performance of 'Under the Bridge'. the bass and guitar almost perfectly resemble the studio recording and Kiedis's singing is very on key.

on this dvd you can clearly see how the band have matured and developed with age (mohawks aside) and how consistant they have become live. John Frusciante's guitar work is pure genius and you can see why he was born to play with the peppers. his style, persona and musical influence fit so perfectly. Chad Smith's drumming is solid and technically flawless throughout and Michael 'Flea' Balzary uses his bass to show the crowd why he is widely regarded as being one of the greatest and most influential bass players in the world today. Anthony Kiedis performs particularly well from start to finish, showing his ability to diversify his singing/rapping techniques and contort his vocals into a variety of musical styles, especially on the outrageously funky 'Sir Psycho Sexy'. one thing that is apparant with the Red Hot Chili Peppers on this dvd is their unique chemistry. each player compliments the other on stage and they play with so much energy and spontaneity. no other band has the same feel good factor and positive 'in your face' impact on stage as the Peppers. this concert dvd makes you actually think you are there in the crowd for real!!!!!

back to the song footage and 'Sir Psycho Sexy' (one of the bonus extra live tracks incidently) happens to be my absolute favourite and had me off my chair and dancing around the living room to the groove!!!. its sooooo incredibly funky live, you will not believe it!!! the dvd is worth getting just for that song alone which isnt featured on the vhs format!!!!! the other bonus tracks are also impressive and well worth getting the dvd for. Skinny Sweaty Man raises a smile, the cover of Search and Destroy absolutely ROCKS and Parallel Universe is equally impressive.

the interview and pre show backstage footage is interesting and particularly amusing at times. it gives the viewer an insight into what goes on behind the scenes and gives the guys a chance to talk about music, art, love, life and philosophy. its great to hear them talking and sharing their views and opinion on things and makes the dvd more 'wholesome'.

as i draw this review to a close, i will give you a very definitive final verdict. THIS DVD ABSOLUTELY ROCKS!!!!!!!!!! the picture and sound quality are superb throughout and i would definitely recommend any fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers buying it!!! 10/10.