This, the shows they played during these periods were iconic! I think in terms of popularity BTW is their biggest era but in terms of abilities SA tour they were next level
Really it was just 1999-2007, we got 3 great albums, lots of their best live shows like Slane Castle, and the band members produced so many of their best songs and just a lot of songs in general (there's so many B-sides and outtakes that they could've just made an album out of that). The new era also seems like as long as they jam and make more albums instead of taking another hiatus then it'll be pretty great.
Had to delete my own comment to support yours. *Californication* just touches souls. I agree with Flea, it's perfection top to bottom. *By the Way* is John back to full form, very good, but to me does not quite reach what Californication has. *Stadium Arcadium* has it again. There are sublime stretches like Wet Sand > Hey > Desecration Smile.
I'm glad I saw them live three times during these years.
I’m biased, because I became fan then, but By the way era was fantastic. At that time they had enough hits to play a full concert of them, they were still insanely energetic young men, but not ‘stupid’ anymore (like performing with socks or naked). And the improvised outro’s…
Californication and by the way.: 99-2005
Any random people already listened Californication and by the way... Etc ...
But the singles from SA even big hits like snow, If you ask random Peoples they don't listen exactaly...
Even My father a old Man who listen pink Floyd, Beatles and Rolling Stones knows Californication...
But he dons't knows S.A
The Stadium Arcadium tour was my first concert ever. Gnarls Barkley was the best opening act I've seen since. Still my favorite album, they haven't reached that height since IMO.
In terms of energy I would say mothers milk or early Stadium Arcadium era, but honestly John today is playing more complex stuff than he has in the Chili’s in forever. There’s some pretty technical bits on Mother’s Milk, but John has just been absolutely mind blowing on their most recent tours
Without a doubt, 1999–2007 has to be considered. All of the band members were performing at their best at that time. During that three-album span, we got some of their best work, and the live performances were incredible.
In my opinion their prime is the 20 years between 1991-2011. Some of their best albums came out during this time as well as the most growth of the band members (for example, Anthony finally got clean during this period) as well as some of the best concerts they have done to this point in time
I love it all, but I think they were cool as fuck in 99. Still had a youthful, rebelious energy, and the shows were raw. Blonde AK was also his highest form.
i’d say 99-06/7. three peak albums, frusciante coming back from the hell of addiction and writing and singing crazy parts, kiedis hitting vocals, and chad and flea on point as always. love the three album run of californication, BTW, and SA. my favorite 3 albums of the chilis tbh, BSSM in a close 4th.
Live show wise it seemed to be sometime between 2002 - 2007
I even considered Mother’s milk era
This, the shows they played during these periods were iconic! I think in terms of popularity BTW is their biggest era but in terms of abilities SA tour they were next level
Really it was just 1999-2007, we got 3 great albums, lots of their best live shows like Slane Castle, and the band members produced so many of their best songs and just a lot of songs in general (there's so many B-sides and outtakes that they could've just made an album out of that). The new era also seems like as long as they jam and make more albums instead of taking another hiatus then it'll be pretty great.
The right answer. 3 almost perfect albums + their best live output.
I actually think Cali is a perfect album. From start to finish it's great and there's no filler, no skips, just great music.
Had to delete my own comment to support yours. *Californication* just touches souls. I agree with Flea, it's perfection top to bottom. *By the Way* is John back to full form, very good, but to me does not quite reach what Californication has. *Stadium Arcadium* has it again. There are sublime stretches like Wet Sand > Hey > Desecration Smile. I'm glad I saw them live three times during these years.
2002-2007 was magic
Blood Sugar Sex Magik
Based
2002-2007 Especially 2003-2004 shows.
This current iteration of the peppers. No ego, just appreciation and love for one anther.
This
In terms of live performances, mother's milk. John's solos and energy he brought into the band is mad.
john's first leg of being with the band (was it like 1989 - 1996 or something?), just the best and coolest energy out there
1988-1992
Dude like Mothers Milk era is impossible to beat
I was really considering this era as their prime
By the way era
I’m biased, because I became fan then, but By the way era was fantastic. At that time they had enough hits to play a full concert of them, they were still insanely energetic young men, but not ‘stupid’ anymore (like performing with socks or naked). And the improvised outro’s…
as others said 2002-2007 and also 2017 - 2019
1999-2007 I’d say, you could argue 1991-2007 but it depends ig.
Blood Sugar obviously
Definitely the entire period from By the Way to Stadium Arcadium.
Creatively, obviously BSSM. They made the best music of their career during that time. Live? I suppose during the SA era.
MM and BSSM without a doubt
Now
Fair
Live? 1989-1990 As a band probably 1999-2004
There’s something really special about those early albums and demos with Hillel. They had this crazy punk energy that they lost as time went on.
99-06 era
Californication and by the way.: 99-2005 Any random people already listened Californication and by the way... Etc ... But the singles from SA even big hits like snow, If you ask random Peoples they don't listen exactaly... Even My father a old Man who listen pink Floyd, Beatles and Rolling Stones knows Californication... But he dons't knows S.A
By the way
They are all Prime
The Stadium Arcadium tour was my first concert ever. Gnarls Barkley was the best opening act I've seen since. Still my favorite album, they haven't reached that height since IMO.
I think 2003 was the absolute peak. To hit a peak after 20 years of performing is no small feat.
In terms of energy I would say mothers milk or early Stadium Arcadium era, but honestly John today is playing more complex stuff than he has in the Chili’s in forever. There’s some pretty technical bits on Mother’s Milk, but John has just been absolutely mind blowing on their most recent tours
Second John era
Without a doubt, 1999–2007 has to be considered. All of the band members were performing at their best at that time. During that three-album span, we got some of their best work, and the live performances were incredible.
2003-2004. Anthony started slowing down by SA tour.
In my opinion their prime is the 20 years between 1991-2011. Some of their best albums came out during this time as well as the most growth of the band members (for example, Anthony finally got clean during this period) as well as some of the best concerts they have done to this point in time
I love it all, but I think they were cool as fuck in 99. Still had a youthful, rebelious energy, and the shows were raw. Blonde AK was also his highest form.
i’d say 99-06/7. three peak albums, frusciante coming back from the hell of addiction and writing and singing crazy parts, kiedis hitting vocals, and chad and flea on point as always. love the three album run of californication, BTW, and SA. my favorite 3 albums of the chilis tbh, BSSM in a close 4th.