Members of one of the world's most popular rock bands were left to entertain a Hobart audience in silence Sunday night, after a power failure at the Derwent Entertainment Centre (DEC).
The Californian group Red Hot Chili Peppers had opened the sold-out show with their 2002 hit Can't Stop.
They were halfway through their second song when the power was cut to their sound system.
A concertgoer told the ABC the band's microphones cut out one by one, until bass player Flea was the last member standing.
The ABC was told he sang a solo until his microphone also cut out.
Concertgoers have also reported that the 56-year-old bassist, whose real name is Michael Peter Balzary, entertained the crowd by doing handstands across the stage.
The power returned 20 minutes later.
Another concertgoer tweeted that the band's guitarist had sound problems just before the microphones failed.
DEC needs upgrading or replacing say technicians
In a statement, tour promoters Live Nation said there was an issue with power supply.
"The delay was caused by an irregularity in the incoming voltage which effected the power to the stage," it said.
Technicians at the DEC are blaming a power surge and the venue's age for the failure of the sound system.
Local roadie Ian Pirkis — who helped build the stage — said it may have been caused by the performance's large light and sound displays.
"When you've got four massive LED TV panels, that amount of lighting and all the instruments and all the amplifications suck the power out of the board," he said.
Mr Pirkis said Hobart's entertainment needs were changing and the DEC may not be able to handle it.
"The Derwent Entertainment Centre is an ageing venue like a lot of those sorts of venues right around the country," he said.
"Either upgrade the DEC or maybe even Hobart City Council look to build a multipurpose venue that's slightly larger in scale."
One fan, Sarah McLachlan, expressed her frustration with the venue on social media.
"Seriously the DEC was a disgrace, an appalling venue for an international act!!," she said.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers formed in 1983 and is one of the best-selling bands of all time, with more than 80 million records sold worldwide.
Sunday night was the first show of the band's two-week Australian tour, its first in the country in 12 years.
