If there is anything Penn State has learned about the Red Hot Chili Peppers, it's that the members are always on top of their game and they always bring great opening acts.

The first time the Chili Peppers appeared at Penn State, the band was touring in support of its 1991 breakthrough album Blood Sugar Sex Magik, with opening acts Pearl Jam and Smashing Pumpkins. The band's second trip was shortly after the release of Californication in 2000, with the support of Foo Fighters. Last night marked the Chili Pepper's third visit and this time the band brought Queens of the Stone Age, arguably the best hard rock band out there right now.

"This is the third time I've seen them live and it was the best one," said Kelly Wright (junior-psychology). "They were more energetic here."

The Queens opened with "You Think I Ain't Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire," the first song off their new album Songs for the Deaf. The band quickly established the tone of its set as loud and boisterous.

Lead singer Josh Homme only spoke sparingly to the audience. Before three separate songs, including fan favorite "Monsters in the Parasol," Homme said, "This song is about LSD."

During "No One Knows," the Queens' most popular song, the band stopped and Hommes quickly yelled "Johnny Cash," before delving into an improvised guitar solo.

Despite an odd stage presence, the Queens managed to put on a power-packed set that went by at breakneck speed, starting an energetic pit.

"Being my first concert, I think I liked their heavy metal style," said Tariq Kowalski (freshman-horticulture).

But it was clear that the night belonged to the Chili Peppers, who took the stage to a standing ovation. Bassist Flea and lead guitarist John Frusciante started jamming and lead singer Anthony Keidis emerged from behind the drum set, quickly bursting into "By The Way," the first single off the new album with the same name.

Other recent hits followed, including Scar Tissue" and "Californication," which quickly got the floor audience moving.

Each band member did his best to steal the show. During "Parallel Universe" Flea played an almost machine-like bass line, while Keidis skipped around the stage.

Several songs later, Flea opened "Throw Away Your Television" with another riveting bass line to which Keidis responded, "Don't take your eyes off the Flea."

But it was equally hard to take your eyes off anyone else. Drummer Chad Smith broke several sticks and Frusciante played an infectious guitar solo.

The set even included "a number from yesteryear," as Flea put it. The band quickly broke into "Skinny Sweaty Man" from its 1987 release The Uplift Mofo Party Plan.

Other highlights included the Ramones cover "Havana Affair" and the stellar encore of "Under The Bridge" and the show closer "Fire," a Jimi Hendrix cover.

"I love these guys," said Mike Jaeger, who said he saw the band play in Philadelphia a fews days ago. "They are real consistent."

The Chili Peppers were glad to be back in State College, and Flea thanked the crowd by singing, "You are so beautiful, thank you for coming to the show."