American hard rock icons Red Hot Chili Peppers will be bringing their fiery spirit to Manchester this week, with their huge stadium gig at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground. The LA funk rock pioneers head to the city amid their ongoing world tour.
Here off the back of their first studio album in over six years, Unlimited Love, we can expect some of the newies as well as their stone cold classics like Californication and Give it Away among the anticipated setlist. The band are known for their legendary rock 'n' roll stage antics - although their penchant for performing without much in the way of clothing was retired in the early noughties.
Band members may have come and gone amid RHCP's 40-year music career, but the inimitable presence of Anthony Kiedis as frontman and Flea as bassist remain steadfastly front of stage. Returning too is original guitarist John Frusciante on the new tour alongside long-standing drummer Chad Smith.
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Their show at Emirates Old Trafford follows on from some huge music events at the stadium this month. The Killers wowed last weekend, before Harry Styles played to some 150,000 fans over two nights at the ground for his north west homecoming.
Who are the support acts?
Fans will want to get down to Old Trafford early as there's two acts set to open the night, including an eagerly-anticipated performance from American rap star A$AP Rocky.
The night's musical entertainment will begin with a performance from another American star, the Grammy Award winning rapper Thundercat.
What are the stage times?
As with all large scale events, timings are always subject to change on the night so it's best to arrive early to avoid disappointment. These are the approximate times we've been given as a guide.
Doors open - 4pm
Thundercat - 6pm to 6.30pm
A$AP Rocky - 7pm to 7.45pm
Red Hot Chilli Peppers - 8.30pm
Show finishes - no later than 10.30pm
Setlist
The band have been on tour across Europe over recent weeks, and the setlist has been changing quite a bit between dates, so expect the unexpected here in Manchester. But here's what they played at their last stadium concert in Budapest, Hungary on June 15.
Intro Jam
Around the World
Dani California
I Like Dirt
These Are the Ways
Scar Tissue
Aquatic Mouth Dance
Snow ((Hey Oh))
Right on Time
It's Only Natural
Tell Me Baby
Don't Forget Me
Californication
Black Summer
Soul to Squeeze
Give It Away
Encore
By the Way
Are tickets still available?
General Admission tickets for this show sold out swiftly. At the time of writing, only "Golden Circle" tickets, which gain access to the area right in front of the stage, remain. They are described as "low availability" and will cost you £166.50 on Ticketmaster.
How to get there?
Fans are advised to travel to the show via public transport as there is no car parking available at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. Old Trafford tram stop is directly next to the venue, but gig-goers are being advised to also seek out stops within a short walking distance - such as Trafford Bar, Firswood or Wharfside when it gets to peak time around the gig. Fans can park for free at Parkway or Sale Water Park and use Park and Ride services to board the tram to Trafford Bar/Wharfside.
Fans can also park at Old Trafford Football ground, but parking is not free. The 255, 256, 263 and x50 bus services will also run within walking distance of Old Trafford.
Will there be road closures?
The roads around the stadium (Brian Statham Way, Great Stone Road, Warwick Road and part of Talbot Road at the front of the ground) will have closures in place during the concert. Brian Statham Way will be closed between 10.30am and approximately 11.30pm, Talbot Road and Great Stone Road will be closed at the end of the event (between 10.30pm and approx.11.30pm) to ensure safe transit of spectators.
There will be a diversion signposted via White City Way to Chester Road to bypass the event zone. The closed roads will be opened again when it is deemed safe.
Is there food and drink at the stadium?
There are a wealth of food and drink stalls dotted all around the cricket ground. This includes a "food and drink village" near to the main entrance off Tablot Road.
Here you will find all manner of different street food options from burgers and chips to hot dogs, burritos, pizzas, doughnuts and ice creams. There are a number of bars where you can get a full range of alcohol beverages and soft drinks.
You are not allowed to take your own food and drink into the stadium.
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