Red Hot Chili Peppers

In June 1996, when the Red Hot Chili Peppers played the OpenAir St. Gallen Festival in Switzerland, they were riding high on the waves of their fifth studio album, *One Hot Minute*, which had dropped just the previous year. This period saw the band experimenting with a more grunge-influenced sound, heavily influenced by guitarist Dave Navarro, who had joined after the departure of John Frusciante. Notably, the *One Hot Minute* era was a time of transition, where the Chili Peppers blended their funky core with darker, moodier tones. Flash forward to that live performance, and you could really feel the raw energy and exploration; tracks like "Give It Away" still had that signature funk, while newer pieces showcased their evolving style. It was definitely a unique moment in their trajectory prior to the return of Frusciante, which would later define their sound in subsequent records. The performance remains a testament to their dynamic evolution during a pivotal time in their career.

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