Even though their Super Bowl halftime performance has been described as electrifying, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were missing a vital part of equipment during their performance. Their guitars do not appear to be plugged in anywhere.
Close ups of Getty photos of the halftime performance clearly show the guitars missing any ability to transmit sound to the speakers. Here you can see bassist Flea’s guitar unencumbered by cables of any sort.
In photos of the band playing at recent concerts, you can see a cord going from the base of the guitar to a wireless audio pack worn by Flea and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer. The absence of the cord leaves little doubt that the band was not actually playing their instruments.
Flea tweeted a non-denial Monday night.
No trickery. No choice, but no trickery
— Flea (@flea333) February 4, 2014
For The Win speculated that the decision could have been made due to the cold weather, which can warp the sound of stringed instruments. That theory seems to be backed up by Flea’s tweet.
Their fellow halftime performer Bruno Mars did not appear to be lip syncing.