Blast From The Past 2006: Red Hot Chilli Peppers Sell Out The Arena
Thanks to CCFC historian Steve Phelps for reminding us of some of the ‘other’ uses to which the Ricoh Arena and (now the Coventry Building Society Arena) has been put during the close season. The memory above is excerpted from his book ‘Coventry City On This Day’ (Pitch Publishing 2010) which points up lots of interesting Sky Blue anniversaries*.
Claus in the Sky Blue
Dele in the Sky Blue
The Sky Blues 2005-06 Championship season, the first at the their new stadium, had kicked off at home two weeks late whilst finishing touches to the Arena were completed. After three away games, in a memorable opener in front of 23,000 Q.P.R. were put to the sword 3-0 with first half goals from CCFPA members Claus Jorgensen and Dele Adebola (who had also netted in the last game at Highfield Road).
Stern in the Sky Blue
Dennis in the Sky Blue
The season ended at home with CCFC in 11th spot after a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City with goals from Stern John, ‘Dele again and a last minute finish to the season from inspirational Dennis Wise.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The Ricoh had developed a great reputation for attracting top bands to Coventry since it opened in 2005 exemplified by the arrival of the Rolling Stones, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi and the Spice Girls in recent years.
“It was the biggest gig Coventry had ever seen – and the Californian chart-toppers pumped out hit after hit as a wildly enthusiastic crowd sang along.
A heaving mass of jumping fans ignored the sweltering heat and made it a night to remember as the Chilis performed modern rock classics like Give It Away, Californication and Stadium Arcadium. The band, who combine of funk, punk, rap, rock and heavy metal, have been loved by critics and the record-buying public since their breakthrough Blood Sugar Sex Magik album was released in 1991.
The group – Anthony Kiedis on lead vocals, Michael Balzary, better known as Flea on bass, John Frusciante on guitar and drummer Chad Smith, whose wild solo drew huge cheers from the audience – were on fine form. The only dampener on the night was the traffic misery after the event. Energetic front man Anthony Kiedis shouldered most of the singing responsibilities, but John Frusciante stole the show when he crooned the Bee Gees and Take That smash, How Deep is Your Love?.”
*Steve’s latest work on the Sky Blues about the 1980-81 squad ’29 Minutes From Wembley’ was published by Pitch Publishing in 2017 and all his CCFC books are available online and from all good bookshops.
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young (& Dean Nelson) for sourcing the photos
