After Red Hot Chili Peppers joined Bruno Mars in an energetic Super Bowl halftime number with their 1992 hit "Give It Away", social media was abuzz not only about their triumphant return to stage, but because there was something missing on their live performance: actual live instruments!

The "Californication" rock stars live performance video shows a shirtless bassist Flea and company prancing around the stage but the cameras did not shy away from close up shots of their instruments not plugged on any wire or amps.

Vernon Reid, guitarist of Living Colour and ranked number 66 on Rolling Stone's All Time Best Guitarists list, pointed that out on his tweet: "That guitar is plugged into NOTHING. It's a flaw in the illusion. They slipped up by not covering that for camera. They actually DON'T want Blatantly Fake made obvious."

Another known blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa took a swipe on the performance, saying: "Flea... I mean we all know, but for god's sake at least try to humor the children. #unplugged live."

There were no indication that the "under the bridge" band Red Hot Chili Peppers was going to pull off a stunt that will give them the wrong media spotlight as they announce a day before the show that the Super Bowl XLVII half time gig is their "one last blow out" before heading to the studio for a new album this 2014.

They also announced that they will headline the 2014 Isle of Wight festival this coming June 14 on the main stage. They released a statement on their site stating:

"To headline the Isle of Wight Festival is a once in a lifetime opportunity, following in the footsteps of Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. When we were offered the slot, we jumped at the chance... it will be our only show in the UK/Ireland this year... so we intend to make it really special."

No comments from the band was released about their controversial Superbowl performance.