The last time the Red Hot Chili Peppers graced the stage at the MTV VMA's was 2000 and they were receiving the Video Vanguard Award, whatever that was. This time it was the Global Icon Award for the band and in a blast from the past, Cheech & Chong introduced them. Unlike most award show speeches, the Chili's deliver. Chad dedicated the night to his brother drummer Taylor Hawkins and sent love to him and Hawkins' family. Anthony thanked the band for 'giving me something to do for the past 40 years'. And then Flea stepped up. Always the great on stage banter during their shows, Flea thanked "..cockroaches and dirt and human beings and deer and deer antlers and birds and sky.." and more about love. How everything that isn't love is cowardice. I hope to be high enough soon to catch what that might mean, but 'til then enjoy their VMA performance. An old one and a new tune, 'Black Summer'. Frusciante isn't on record as having any deep statement to make other than the one he makes every time he picks up a guitar. Something to be said for your instrument doing all the talking.