Red Rocks 85th Anniversary

My first show at Red Rocks was the Eagles in the 70s. I’ve traveled the country and world seeing shows and there’s no venue that comes close to the beauty and sound of the Rocks. Party on Red Rocks.

My first rock concert was at red rocks. I was 15 years old, and my mom dropped us off for the Jethro Tull concert in 1971. We had no idea what we were in for. As we were waiting for the band to come out, our eyes started burning from something in the air. We didn’t know what it was. We learned from the crowd that there was a riot outside, and it was tear gas coming inside. In the midst of it all, Ian Anderson walked out on to the stage with the band and said welcome to World War II, and started to play songs from Aqualung. To this day that was one of the greatest concerts I have ever seen. I saw so many red rocks concerts after that, but that one will always stick out.

Burning Spear headlined the 1996 Reggae on the Rocks. That whole day was magical, the epitome of the love and togetherness that can only be found at Red Rocks. Burning Spear took the vibe to another level, I’ve been chasing that energy ever since. In fact, I attended the next 10 RORX shows, driving from Iowa, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and New Mexico for many of them.

It was 1971 or 72, Jethro Tull was playing. Myself and two friends were there but we didn’t have a ticket so we, along with a couple hundred people were sitting on the hill up and behind the theater. There were police on horseback and someone threw a rock at one of the horses and a riot ensued.

I saw Lorde at Red Rocks this past fall of 2025, and it was such a surreal and beautiful experience. I’ve been to plenty of amazing concerts, but this one was extra special because of the environment. Watching the sun set behind the stage was amazing, and singing to Green Light at the end with everyone jumping and dancing is one of my favorite concert memories.

My favorite memory was the torrential rain during Deadrocks 10, immediately followed by Zeds Dead’s song “Sweet Memories,” which goes, “I can’t stand the rain against my window.” I started crying because it just felt so spiritual. We were all right where we were supposed to be!

The Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem Show. It followed the first year of an incredible lineup at the Monolith Festival. We fell in love with that venue and hope to visit again very soon.

In 1968 Aretha Franklin walked off the stage after her revue played for two hours, saying, “The man didn’t pay me my money.” She deserved “Respect” with her rising fame. She’s got soul. I was sitting with my tall blonde steady in the fifteenth row as bottles started flying over our heads. I’d like to protect her but she digs the chaos. The crowd torches the piano onstage and the brush around the park. I learn to love this story even though I didn’t hear Aretha sing.

My best friend and I road tripped to see Flume at Red Rocks. Flume has been a huge part of my life and a soundtrack so many fond memories. Getting to experience his discography at one of the world’s most unique and iconic venues is a memory that I will cherish with every fiber of my being for the rest of my life. I sincerely hope that everyone who wants to has a chance to experience one of their favorite artists at Red Rocks, and I very much look forward to my next visit. Thank you for existing <3

Seeing a shooting star go over Ship Rock while Weyes Blood opened for The Strokes in 2023

Seeing a show at Red Rocks has been on our bucket list for as long as I can remember. So, when we realized James Taylor was playing on June 3, 2024—our 16th wedding anniversary—we knew we just had to go. Sitting out there under a completely clear, starry night sky with those massive red rocks all around us was pure magic. James Taylor and his All-Star Band sounded incredible. We spent the night holding hands, listening to music we love, and just soaking it all in. It was the absolute perfect way to celebrate 16 years together, and it’s a night we’re going to hold onto forever.

Mastodon and Lamb of God were absolutely epic a few years back. Incredible performance of complete albums by both bands. Toss in a few amazing encores combined with the first concert attended with my wife, it made for an unbelievable experience. Red Rocks is pure magic.

The year was 1989, and Stevie Ray Vaughn was playing on the Rocks in August. During that show he laid down as sweet a rendition of ‘Tin Pan Alley’ as I’ve ever heard! Purple Lights were reflecting from a mirrored ball and magically floating throughout the venue.
I’ll never forget that show … and particularly the feeling that I had during his exceptional performance of that song. Thank you for the memory Stevie – and Thank you Red Rocks for providing us with the Best Concert Venue on the Planet.

If I had to choose one favorite experience, however, it would be the first time I saw RÜFÜS DU SOL at Red Rocks in 2022. I’ve seen them five times since then, but nothing has ever compared to that first night. The combination of their music, the towering red rocks, the cool mountain air, and thousands of people sharing the same moment created an atmosphere that felt almost transcendent. It wasn’t simply a concert; it was an experience that seemed to blur the line between music, nature, and pure joy.

Saw Bruce Springsteen in ‘81 or ‘82. Got there early for good seats and it started to rain. When Bruce came out he did the song “who’ll stop the rain” by CCR and the rain stopped and a full moon came out. Magical!!

I live outside of Boston, MA, but the only place I wanted to be for my 60th birthday was at Yoga on the Rocks. I had never done it, and it was the PERFECT way to celebrate. I had been dreading turning the big 6-0, but being at Red Rocks at 6 am made my day. It was life changing. I will never forget the experience. I hope to celebrate many more decades on the Rocks at sunrise.