Warner Music Philippines
recently sent its recording and management artist Rico Blanco to Hong Kong to attend
the concert and press conference of global rock phenomenon Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Blanco's encounter with RHCP mainly focused on the music and
- on a not-so-serious note - their mutual admiration for our Pambansang Kamao Manny "Pacman"
Pacquiao!
When Blanco had his turn to meet and greet the four members
of RHCP – lead vocalist Anthony Kiedis, bassist Flea, drummer Chad Smith and new guitarist Josh
Klinghoffer - the band asked Blanco if he's from the Philippines Hong Kong to attend the concert and Manny Pacquiao. The
Red Hot Chili Peppers were reportedly real big fans of our beloved Pacman. The
band even asked Blanco if he would know if Pacman would go to the concert.
With only a handlful of press in the room, questions
centered on the band's erstwhile guitarist John Frusciante and their decadent
rock & roll past, on the other hand Blanco went to the basics and asked a
music-centered question - about the process of creating the album, I'm With You.
"They said that they went with the method that has
always worked for them, to work with (legendary rock producer) Rick
Rubin," Blanco relates. "Which hinges on the philosophy to not
over-think the process. They just went to a room together and took things from
there. They fed off each other's energy
and took things spontaneously. During the concert, Blanco felt more blessed
that he was sent there by Warner Music Philippines
"It was a burst of energy, sapak agad," Blanco adds. "I really could not recall a
single moment other than the time the band dedicated their performance of
'Can't Stop' to the Filipinos in the crowd because it was one long head rush. I
was out in front listening, watching and taking photos. The rush was something
I've never felt before because I was combining the rush that came from
performing at that level since I'm a performer myself, the rush that comes with
being a fan and the excitement that comes from being able to take official
photos . Ang sarap. They also played
some songs from their new album. From there I could tell that it was gonna be a
great album. It's the Peppers as they've always been and at the same time, it
feels like they've added something intangible to the new music that it still
feels so fresh."
Needless to say, the experience was a true blessing for
Blanco. "For me, it was so inspiring," Blanco says. "After all
these years of playing music, recording and touring, it was very evident that
there's still so much hunger and fun. They really, really love what they're
doing."
Red Hot Chili Peppers
album “I'm With You” featuring the
single "The Adventures of Rain
Dance Maggie" is in stores now!
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