Congratulations are in order for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who picked up the award for Best Rock Video for “Black Summer” at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards. The Peppers beat out a slew of high-profile acts for the trophy, including Foo Fighters (“Love Never Dies”), Jack White (“Taking Me Back”), Shinedown’s (“Planet Zero”), Three Days Grace (“So Called Life”) and Muse (“Won’t Stand Down”).
The winner was picked by fan vote. It’s interesting that MTV’s young audience went for the Peppers, but there’s no denying that “Black Summer” is a hit. The video features the group performing the song amid a range of sunsets and landscapes. It marked the debut single off the band’s Unlimited Love album, which dropped in April. The Peppers recently announced another new album, Return of the Dream Canteen, set for an Oct. 14 release.
While accepting the award for Best Rock Video, band members Anthony Kiedis and Flea engaged in a “thank-off” onstage, where the two went back and forth naming as many people as they could think of to thank for their support.
It was a big night for the Peppers. Earlier in the evening, the Peppers received the Global Icon Award. They also performed “Black Summer” and “Can’t Stop.” Watch those performances below.
While receiving the Global Icon Award, drummer Chad Smith thanked his “brother,” late Foo Fighters’ drummer Taylor Hawkins. Hawkins passed away on March 25 at the age of 50.
“I want to dedicate this to my brother, Taylor Hawkins,” said Smith, adding that he also dedicated the award to Hawkins’ family. During the band’s VMAs performance, Smith also honored Hawkins with “Taylor” written on his bass drum within a hawk, referencing a tattoo the Foo Fighters’ drummer had on his arm.
