It’s been a long time coming, but Rock Band Requests is finally here to kick ass and chew bubble gum. Sadly, gas prices here in the U.S. make it too expensive for me to drive to the store to get gum, so the kicking ass part will have to do. And to lead things off, I’ve picked one of my favorite bands ever, the masters of that oh-so-funky rock we commonly know as the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The basic rule here is simple: any song not featured in Rock Band is up for grabs, though preference will be given to songs not featured in Guitar Hero. For the Chili Peppers, this eliminates “Dani California,” “Give it Away,” “Snow (Hey Oh),” and “Tell Me Baby,” leaving us their entire catalog to find a few songs that would be awesome additions. I ended up picking four out I thought would be awesome on Rock Band, but really, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, you could make an entire Rock Band or Guitar Hero game and still have some left over. Not that I want Activision even trying to make Guitar Hero: Red Hot Chili Peppers. The thought of that just makes me sick… ugh… >.<

Anyways, let’s get ready to rock, shall we?

What You Ought To Know



Formed in Los Angeles in 1983, the original Chili Peppers lineup consisted of Anthony Kiedis on lead vocals, Michael “Flea” Balzary on bass, Hillel Slovak on guitar and Jack Irons on drums. However, in 1988, Slovak died of a dug overdose and Irons promptly quit the band. They were replaced by John Frusciante and Chad Smith, respectively.

This lineup remained the same through most of the rise of the Chili Peppers to stardom, until Frusciante somehow got the idea that all this success was a bad thing and left the band in 1992. The band went on and added Dave Navarro to replace Frusciante for their upcoming album One Hot Minute. However, it sucked so badly that they later fired him.

Frusciante tried to go solo, failed and got hooked on drugs. Following a successful completion of rehab, he rejoined the Chili Peppers at Flea’s request and the band instantly returned to being awesome. Right now, they're likely headed back to the studio after a year-long break from rocking out. They’ve won six Grammy Awards over their career, as well as the respect of millions of fans around the world. Also, I own Red Hot Chili Peppers pajamas and they are awesome.

The Songs



“Especially In Michigan”
From Stadium Arcadium (2006)

Call it bias. Go on. I dare you. Just because I was born in this stupid mitten-shaped state doesn’t mean I necessarily love it. (In fact, for the most part, I hate it.) But that’s besides the point – this is a great song to add to any Rock Band song list.

As with any RHCP song, the bass lines are absolutely amazing, but what will stand out with this song are the guitar parts from guest guitarist Omar Rodriguez-Lopez of The Mars Volta. He absolutely tears it up on this track, giving Rock Band enthusiasts a bit of a challenge. I originally thought this song hadn’t made it out of Michigan, but I have since heard it played on the radio outside of the state, so it got something of a limited release here in the Midwest.

Difficulty (out of 10): 6-7
Chances? With “Dani California,” “Snow (Hey Oh),” and “Tell Me Baby” already on there, this probably won’t make the cut unless Stadium Arcadium gets added as a full double album release. Very low.



“By The Way”
From By The Way (2002)

This is the song I sang at karaoke when I was in Kyoto two summers ago, and it was one of the most fun, yet difficult experiences ever. Not difficult because I can’t sing well, but because Anthony Kiedis blows through parts of this song pretty quickly, and it’s sometimes hard to keep up.

Add in a high-energy bass line from Flea (like there’s any other kind?) and solid guitar and drum parts from the returning John Frusciante and Chad Smith, and this song has fun parts for everybody. It’s probably the most Rock Band ready of all four songs you’ll see listed, which has surprised me that it has not been included yet.

Difficulty (out of 10): 7
Chances? “By The Way” is a pretty well-known Chili Peppers song and the first track off the 2002 album of the same name. I wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually makes its way to either the original Rock Band or its sequel as part of a DLC pack. Pretty high.



“Get On Top”
From Californication (1999)

A personal favorite of mine, “Get On Top” is a song that very much sounds like it could have come out in 1989 instead of 1999. The song ferociously grabs you by the threat with a heavy guitar part and funky bass beat early on and just does not let go. The notes come flying at you fast, which should translate well when it comes to the in-game note charts, especially for those looking for a song that will test them. It's no "Through the Fire and the Flames," but it might just leave you cramping up.

Difficulty (out of 10): 8-9
Chances? Sadly, “Get On Top” gets overshadowed by the more well-known tracks off Californication, such as “Around the World,” “Parallel Universe,” “Otherside,” and the album’s title track. Pretty damn low.



“Love Rollercoaster”
From the “Beavis and Butthead Do America” soundtrack (1997)

What better way to cap off this Red Hot Chili Pepper request than with my absolutely favorite Chili Peppers song? Lacking the haunting scream of the original Ohio Players version, this version screams, “Everyone at your party will want to play this song over and over.” Sadly, we don’t yet have a kazoo attachment for Rock Band (get on it, Harmonix!), but this is the one song I want more than any other in Rock Band right now.

Difficulty (out of 10): 4
Chances? MTV owns the rights to the movie, and they’re behind Rock Band. It’s up to the Chili Peppers and Harmonix to agree on something, but this could be one of the best additions to Rock Band. Ever. Both parties would be stupid not to get this on there ASAP. Bust out the kazoos. Moderately high.

(Author’s note: “Give It Away” was listed as a fifth song in the original write-up, but with it being confirmed for Rock Band 2, it no longer qualified for the feature and was taken off the list.)

Next time on Rock Band Requests: A legend of rock music appears, perhaps a surprising suggestion for Harmonix’s game. Can you feel the love tonight?