Red Hot Chili Peppers at Bank of America Stadium on Thursday, September 1, 2022. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios
On Thursday night, the Red Hot Chili Peppers performed at Bank of America Stadium to a crowd of about 50,000 people.
About halfway through the show, lead singer Anthony Kiedis sent cell phones buzzing throughout the stadium and surrounding area by announcing that the band would be heading to Pinky’s afterward.
- “Did he say he was going to be at Pinky’s??“ Axios’ Danielle Chemtob, who was also at the concert, texted me.
- “Lmao he did,” I texted back.
- “We should go,” she responded.
State of play: Apparently a lot of people had similar conversations. Because we did go, and when we got there, the line had already formed.
- In fact about 500 people showed, according to owner Greg Auten, who had already gone home for the night but came rushing back to help the staff once he started getting texts from his friends.
Hundreds of people marched down Morehead Street toward Pinky’s and planted and clamored to get inside. Photo: Danielle Chemtob/Axios
“I would’ve loved if they would have come,” Auten told me.
So would’ve all those fans who showed up (hi) hoping to share a pint with Flea.
- “People just kept coming,” said Auten, who stayed open an hour later than normal. “They were convinced that the Chili Peppers were inside,” he said laughing.
Why it matters: Our city loves celebrities. People were kicking themselves when they missed Mick Jagger at the Thirsty Beaver last year.
- Yes, but: Announcing to a crowd of 50,000 people where you’ll be — and then not showing — is sort of the antithesis of what Mick Jagger did.
Between the lines: Apparently, announcing a random after-party location is a running joke for the band. A Reddit thread from last night caught the attention of Chili Peppers fans outside of Charlotte describing similar experiences.
The bottom line: We’re not sure if the Chili Peppers have ever stepped inside Pinky’s. But, with its dive-bar style decore and delicious fried pickles, it’s not a far-fetched idea. Kinda like The Thirsty Beaver is the kind of establishment one might accidentally share a beer with Mick Jagger.
- “Crazier things have happened,” Auten said.
