Red Hot Chili Peppers say they now have 'new energy'

Red Hot Chili Peppers says they have "new energy" after performing with guitarist Josh Klinghoffer in the UK for the first time.

The band played a special concert for Radio 1 listeners in Camden, north London, on Friday evening.

Former session musician Josh Klinghoffer has been with the group for two years but is new to UK audiences.

"It's very new, exciting energy for the Red Hot Chili Peppers," drummer Chad Smith said about the new line-up.

"The people were really very responsive. We played a lot of new stuff and they seemed to enjoy it.

"We're just having a great time playing together right now."

It was the US band's first UK gig since 2007.

'Passionate'

Josh Klinghoffer, 31, joined Red Hot Chili Peppers following the departure of guitarist John Frusciante for a second time in 2009.

Their 10th studio album I'm With You, released last week, has gone to number 1 in the official UK album chart.

The record is their fourth number one in the UK with The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie released as the first single.

Chad Smith told Newsbeat the band hope the fans like their new material.

"It's kinda scary when you work on something for a year and a half and then you just put it out there," he admitted.

"We want everyone to love it as much as we do. It's our love.

"We were very passionate about playing music. Red Hot Chili Peppers, we're a family.

"We have a lot of love for each other and I hope that comes through on the record."

The new line-up of Red Hot Chili Peppers will be playing nine UK dates in November starting with three nights at London's O2 Arena.

Chad Smith revealed the band would probably be playing festivals in the UK next year but didn't know which ones yet.

"I think that we'll come and play over here next year.

"We know that the Olympics are over here and we thought maybe we'll coordinate."

Highlights from the gig will be broadcast on BBC Radio 1 from 7pm on Monday 12 September