Reviews: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fleetwood Mac, Eminem & More

This year, for your reading enjoyment, we have compiled critical reviews of live performances from Red Hot Chili Peppers in Melbourne, Australia; Fleetwood Mac in Nashville; Eminem in Perth, Australia; Anderson .Paak in Toronto; James Taylor / Bonnie Raitt in Lexington, Ky.; Justin Moore in Rosemont, Ill.; and John Mellencamp in New York.

John Davisson – Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers bring the funk rock to Austin City Limits Music Festival at Zilker Park in Texas Oct. 7.

Red Hot Chili Peppers @ Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, Feb. 28 – “While some fans could be heard criticising the choice of setlist songs as they left, the vast majority were left astounded that after 35 years together, the Red Hot Chili Peppers still sound as energetic, fresh, and powerful as ever.” – Tyler Jenke / Tone Def

Fleetwood Mac @ Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 27 – “Any time [Stevie] Nicks wasn’t on the stage, the rest of her band had their work cut out for them. Fleetwood Mac, clearly, is a band that likes breaks, and that made for a few lulls in the evening as various factions of the group tried to hold the crowd’s attention while their bandmates were backstage.” – Dave Paulson / Nashville Tennessean 

Eminem @ Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia, Feb. 27 – “Now 10 years sober, Eminem made his Perth debut with a souped-up setlist of 32 bangers that left no question as to his status as a music legend.” – Jessie Stoelwinder / The West Australian

Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals @ Rebel in Toronto, Ontario, Feb. 26 – “Save for a few sips of water, the Mac Miller verses [on the song ‘Dang!’ were the only break .Paak took during the hour-long performance. While it would have been great to hear more fan favourites, the concert showcased his versatility as a drummer and vocalist, usually simultaneously. And that was captivating.”  – Claudia McNeilly / Toronto Now

Alexandre Schneider / Getty Images – Anderson .Paak
Anderson .Paak takes the stage during Lollapalooza Brazil at Interlagos Racetrack in Sao Paulo March 24.

James Taylor / Bonnie Raitt @ Rupp Arena in Lexington, Ky., Feb. 27 – “There was also an obvious level of camaraderie between Raitt and Taylor at the show. Taylor began the evening with an extended and heartfelt introduction of Raitt that nicely set the pace for the program’s overall charm that carried over into segments when the two artists sat in on each other’s sets at their conclusions – Taylor during Raitt’s career re-defining take on John Hiatt’s ‘Thing Called Love’ and Raitt as a co-pilot for Taylor’s encore segment that blasted off with a jovial reading of ‘Johnny B. Goode.’” – Walter Tunis / Lexington Herald Leader

Justin Moore @ Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Ill., Feb. 21 – “Smack dab in the middle of the Windy City, guys with cowboy hats on their heads and girls with cowboy boots on their feet headed to the Rosemont Theatre on Thursday (Feb. 21) looking to sink their teeth into some good old traditional country music. Justin Moore gave them what they were craving, and so much more.” – Tricia Despres / Taste Of Country

John Mellencamp @ Beacon Theatre in New York, New York, Feb. 25 – “Just because the tour was titled ‘The John Mellencamp Show’ didn’t mean the frontman wouldn’t shine a spotlight on his backing band, though. Violinist Miriam Sturm was a dynamic presence throughout the set, leading the spirited instrumental interlude ‘Overture’ (along with Troye Kinnett on accordion) and adding a somber timbre to ‘Easy Target.’ Drummer Dane Clark unleashed a rocking solo on ‘Crumblin’ Down.’” – Killian Young / Glide Magazine