Chad Smith, by Melina D Photography

Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats (Chad Smith on drums, Jeff Kollman on guitars, Ed Roth on keyboards, and Kevin Chown on bass) teamed up for a night of funk/rock/fusion on at The Baked Potato, making for an unforgettable evening. Each musician complementing each other, the band played two sets, one at 9:30p.m and one at 11:30p.m, jamming on into the wee hours of the morning.

The band formed somewhat accidentally in Los Angeles in 2008 when Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer, Smith, got together with Kollman (Cosmosquad), and Roth while having impromptu jam sessions when warming up for Glenn Hughes. They later added Chown on bass, to form the band.

Chad Smith And Jeff Kollman, by Melina D Photography

During their show at The Baked Potato, everyone was all smiles, as usual. Jeff had celebrated his birthday the day before, so shots were passed around and a birthday song was sung in celebration. At one point, Chad asked for audience participation with an upcoming song. Pointing to a young kid seated at one of the tables, he asked (presumably) his father, “Who brings their kid to a dirty, smelly bar to see a show?” He then asked where they were from, and when the man responded, “Canada”, Chad said, “Ahh, that explains it!.” The whole crowd burst into laughter.

Kevin Chown and Ed Roth, by Melina D Photography

The light-hearted mood continued on through the night as Jeff’s guitar playing rang out through The Baked Potato, Ed’s vintage keyboard and Kevin’s thumping bass complimented Chad’s unbeatable drumming skills. By the end of the show, the crowd was left in awe of these talented musicians, and couldn’t have asked for a more fulfilling evening.

Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats, by Melina D Photography

Chad Smith’s Bombastic Meatbats, by Melina D Photography

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WORDS AND PHOTOS BY MELINA DELLAMARGGIO