The American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers staged a magnificent concert in Sofia Saturday evening, deemed by fans the most significant music event of 2012 in Bulgaria.

The show, anticipated for a long time, and staged by the founders of the group Anthony Kiedis (vocals), Michael "Flea" Balzary (bass), longtime drummer Chad Smith, and new guitarist Josh Klinghoffer, lasted two hours and will be remembered for many years to come.

The concert was held at the Arena Armeets Hall in Sofia.

With Klinghoffer performing on a chair because of a broken leg, the band started with Monarchy of Roses, followed by Around the World, Snow (Hey Oh) and Otherside, bringing the audience to their feet.

The new pieces from their album I Am with You also delighted everyone in attendance.

The concert ended with Under the Bridge, Californication and By the Way, while the encore featured Give It Away, the song that brought the group to fame.

Fans and musical critics give high marks to Red Hot Chili Peppers for the energy, the contact with the audience, and the focus on music instead of visual effects, choreography and vulgar provocations. Taking the t-shirts off, walking on hands and the amusing monologues were part of the entertainment.

Klinghoffer, who joined in late 2009, following the departure of legend, John Frusciante, despite the leg injury and being 20 years younger than the other three, proved up to the challenge in Sofia.

The band formed in Los Angeles in 1983. The group's musical style primarily consists of rock with an emphasis on funk, as well as elements from other genres such as punk rock, and psychedelic rock. They incorporate many aspects of jam rock due to the improvised nature of much of their performances.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers have won seven Grammy Awards and sold over 80 million albums worldwide. In 2012 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.