Nearly three decades ago the Red Hot Chili Peppers burst onto the scene with their groundbreaking and exciting musical twist of funk and metal, and along with their tendency to forget to dress when going on stage antics, as highlighted by the classic socks on cocks publicity shot, they were what you might call "damn right dangerous" but with the ability to still knock out a good tune or two. Three decades on and there has been death, drug addiction, fighting, oh, and 65 million album sales, but amazingly all this time honored rock 'n' roll history has made them one of the most safe as houses drive time radio friendly bands in the world right now. Having said all this they have had amazing success in each of the three decades leading up to tonights show and that is well deserved.  They have also released some classic albums along the way, providing a solid fan base stretching across multiple generations which means they are now able to charge £60!!! (inc booking fee) for seats in air hanger ceiling spaces as is the case with my seats in the LG Arena tonight. Having been disappointed when I last saw them at Hyde Park back in 2004 but that being more to do with the location than the band themselves this was a club date in comparison, and so I was expecting something special considering the coinage spent for my entry.

The 'I'm With You' album as being championed on this tour is the band's tenth album and the first to feature new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer alongside original members Anthony Kiedis and Flea and long term drummer Chad Smith. And it is Mr Smith who gets things under way with the opening beats of 'Monarchy Of Roses' and my first impressions are very positive as the large screens hanging over the stage bring things to life with some clever imagery, Klinghoffer mirrors and balances with Flea perfectly as they dance and jerk in their own stage space each side of the ever cool but questionably moustached Kiedis.  Kieidis' new bobbed hair do and facial hair making him look like a ready stand in for a member of Rammstein. 'Dani California' provides a mass singalong and 'Scar Tissue' is lapped up by the masses whilst Klinghoffer continues to look as though he is living the dream with a grin from ear to ear. A first of a number of quick jam sessions launches into 'Can't Stop' and Kiedis's loses his shirt and it's hard to believe the two shirtless men onstage are fast approaching their 50's but looking fitter than most men half their age and getting away with it with ease , especially with the response from the ladies in the crowd.

The sound tonight is perfect and this only enhances Flea's bass work, Kiedis' voice is incredible as he swings from rock melodies to rap with ease and by mid set Klinghoffer looks as though he has been part of the band from day one, Chad Smith meanwhile is as tight as hell and with the onstage supporting percussion sounds massive. However seeing a stadium band playing an...ahem.... "intimate arena", the magic that you would expect in many ways isn't there.  Once you get over the impressive but basic stage show a few songs in it is apparent that everything is very detached and there is a clear separation between band and crowd.  Sure Flea has some banter between songs and is excited tonight to be in the home of Black Sabbath but Kiedis just doesn't connect at all.  It's not like he isn't enjoying himself as it is obvious he is, but there is a distance and from where I am sat I feel like an outsider looking in - and not part of proceedings as all the true greats are capable of making you fell in venues such as this.

'The Adventures Of Rain Dance Maggie', 'Parallel Universe', 'Hard To Concentrate', 'Look Around', 'I Like Dirt', 'Universally Speaking', and 'Goodbye Hooray' provide the mid set mix which appears to create a lull in proceedings, an example of a band delivering the goods but not breaking out of their comfort zone as they have their winning formula and there isn't much venturing from it. 'Under The Bridge' does lift things and this song connects everybody in here, love it  or loathe it there is no denying that it is a modern day classic, and then for me the song of the night, the Stevie Wonder cover in 'Higher Ground'.  This is the song that made me fall in love with this band and it is still a stand out song in their set list. 'Californiacation' is a classic of the modern day Chili Peppers winning formula which brings us nicely to 'By The Way' a classic full stop, and live is even stronger with Flea and Smith bringing a new energy and life to the song.

The encore begins with what is my worst fear in events of this size, that being what felt like a "drum solo" building but what in fact turns into some clever play between Smith and their touring percussionist which doesn't out stay it's welcome as the band launch into 'Around The World'. We're even taken back to the 1970's with a cover of Neil Young's 'Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere' before the only way to finish a set and the song that probably sent them into major leagues 'Give It Away' ensures a smile is left on the faces of all those assembled on their journey homes albeit before a minor jam session at the very end.

Tonight what I witnessed was a band in their comfort zone demonstrating why they are masters of their craft with one of the best sounds I have heard at this venue. The musicianship is undeniably strong as was Kiedis' voice. It was lacking that something though to make it special and the lack of connection with the crowd keeps the band at a stupid distance. So, will I be rushing to see them at one of the stadium shows next summer? Probably not, I will probably just save myself a fortune and buy the inevitable DVD and feel just as involved in the event as if I were here.