KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas Headlined by The Offspring Amid RHCP's Absence

Fans who turned out for the 32nd Annual KROQ/FM 106.7 Almost Acoustic Christmas event were greeted with a surprise as the original headliners, Red Hot Chili Peppers, were notably absent from the evening's lineup. The attendees of the concert held at the Kia Forum in Inglewood on Saturday, Dec. 9, discovered the reason for the band's sudden withdrawal through a special video message delivered by RHCP's lead singer Anthony Kiedis. In the video, Kiedis sang an apology, revealing that guitarist John Frusciante had broken a finger and expressing regret for the inconvenience caused to fans. He notified the audience of a rescheduled performance for ticket holders set for March 2, capturing a blend of humor and sincerity.

In the wake of the Chili Peppers' absence, KROQ veterans 311 stepped in to fill the headlining void. They did not disappoint, delivering a robust set of fan favorites like 'All Mixed Up' and 'Amber'. The band expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to perform in such an unexpected scenario. Their presence was a full circle moment, having shared the stage with RHCP at the Kia Forum over two decades prior.

Charting a course through the event, Garbage unleashed a powerhouse performance, albeit shortened due to a disruption in the crowd. Shirley Manson, Garbage's frontwoman, did not hesitate to address the ruckus, halting the performance to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees. Echoing her on-stage assertiveness, the band delivered hits such as 'Stupid Girl' and 'Only Happy When It Rains', affirming their reputed live prowess.

The rescheduled performers, The Offspring, rose to the occasion as the new headliners, energizing the crowd with classic tracks from their seminal album 'Smash'. They punctuated the set with an offering of beach balls to the audience, further engaging the concertgoers in a spirited interaction. The band's excitement for their upcoming 30th album anniversary and a new record release in 2024 was palpably shared with their fans.

The event showcased a variety of noteworthy performances from diverse acts. Up-and-coming bands and established artists alike captivated the early arrivals with engaging sets. In particular, Canadian rockers The Beaches, British singer Bakar, L.A.'s Cannons, and indie band Lovejoy each contributed to a prelude of memorable music.

Throughout the evening, moments of anticipation and excitement were shared as it was revealed that new material from Garbage, The Offspring, and 311 would soon be on the horizon, setting the stage for another exhilarating year of music. The legacy of KROQ's support for these bands was a narrative warmly recognized by the artists, who took time to reflect on the significance of the event and its impact on their careers.

concert, absence, performance