Based on the first of two sold-out shows at Auckland's Vector Arena, the relentless energy the world's premiere funk-rock act is famous for can no longer be sustained for an entire two-hour show.

Nope, as Anthony Keidis and the boys near their 25th anniversary, they've swapped their thrilling intensity and gravity-defying stage antics for something a little less exhausting.

It started like the good old days, with thrilling versions of hits Can't Stop and Dani California. They had the crowd up on their feet and pogoing along with front man Keidis, who was sporting a hideous new moustache.

Later on, crowd-pleasers Suck My Kiss and Sir Psycho Sexy bounced the mosh pit and gave the Vector Arena's new floorboards a solid test. They passed - like the rest of the arena - with flying colours.

But because of the stop-start nature of the show, the band failed to capitalise on its momentum. Too often the Chilis would hit appear ready to take off like the days of old, only to pause to catch their breath.

Still, the crowd didn't seem to mind, singing along word-for-word to Scar Tissue, Californication and Snow (Hey Oh), and cheering on Keidis' scissor-kick routines and Fleas' furiously fast bass exploits.

But the night was held together by John Frusciante's guitar playing, which was nothing short of scintillating. He lit up every song as solo after solo scorched around the venue.

The show's only real shocker was when Flea's embarrassing trumpet solo became an aural assault on the ears. Stick to that bass, buddy, because you're bloody good at it.

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