Summers in Denver are something to get exited about. From spending your days at Water World to the beginning of the Red Rocks concert series, this summer was jam packed with concerts with phenomenal line ups. As the temperature starts to cool and as summer draws to a close, we look back on the top 10 shows of the summer in Denver.
10. PVRIS at the Summit Music Hall, 5/29
A hidden gem, PVRIS is a band that is overwhelmingly beautiful live. Their first headlining tour hit Denver in late May for a sold out show at the Summit Music Hall. Performing along side artists Lydia, CRUISR and Polyenso, this perfect match up was something nobody wanted to miss. PVRIS is a female fronted band with relatable lyrics and beats that you can't help but hum along to.
9. The Westword Music Showcase at The Golden Triangle, 6/25
Every year, The Westword Music Showcase happens in the Golden Triangle in Denver and every year it gets larger. This year there were two main stages along with multiple other stages scattered throughout Denver jam packed with excellent acts. A festival of a different flavor, this show was definitely one to go down in Westword history.
8. The 1975 at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 5/2
This was the first time ever that The 1975 played Red Rocks and they killed it. Playing alongside The Japanese House and Wolf Alice, this long awaited Red Rocks show displayed the authenticity of Matt Healy's vocals intriguing the crowd along with a beautiful presentation of lighting. A set list packed with the new and old, being able to see this band at Red Rocks is the best way to start anyone's summer.
7. Channel 93.3's Big Gig at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, 7/9
The countless shameless ads that were continuously heard on Channel 93.3 finally came to an end when the July 9th show finally happened. An excitement for many, Big Gig is a festival that fills the Fiddlers Green stage with amazing bands every year. This year was the first time that the locals only stage had "sold out". Openers Almost, Maine started the day with pop punk, drawing people to the locals stage. Later that night headliner Cage the Elephant brought in the crazy. Engaging the crowd, lead singer Matt Schultz ran around the stage and got into the pit, showing his wild side. Performing along side Cage the Elephant were bands Young the Giant, X Ambassadors, MisterWives, Vinyl Theater, and The Unlikely Candidates. Contributing to the makings of an excellent shows, it was surely a Big Gig that no one would forget .
6. The Van's Warped Tour at The Pepsi Center, 7/31
One of the best line ups this tour has ever had, Van's Warped Tour came crashing into Denver July 31st. A perfect way for any pop punk fan to end their summer, Van's Warped Tour revitalized the tour with old acts such as Sum 41 and New Found Glory along with adding newer bands like With Confidence and Like Pacific to the mix. A celebration of pop punk fanatics, Van's Warped Tour was something neither the old or new should have missed.
5. Taste Of Chaos at Red Rocks Amphitheatre 7/6
Another first at Red Rocks, The Taste Of Chaos festival showed the punk side of Red Rocks. Bands Taking Back Sunday, Saosin, and The Early November gave the audience a run for their money. A night of lengthy sets, this was but a dream come true for fans. Beginning with The Early November and ending the night with Dashboard Confessional, edgy tunes and beautiful riffs were present throughout this phenomenal show.
4. Brand New/Modest Mouse Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 6/29
Lighting up the house with a sold out show, Brand New and Modest Mouse showed Colorado that they were the best. A show of only two bands did not stop fans from going. A sold out show at Red Rocks showed how enticing these bands are.
3. Halsey at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 7/21
A list full of first time Red Rocks performers, Halsey brought the Badlands. Telling a story with not only her songs but her body language as well, Halsey has such a stage presence that make her live shows worth going to. Playing songs off of her first full length album, Halsey performed as if she had been playing shows to large crowds for years.
2. Weezer/Panic! at the Disco at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre, 7/24
The perfect way to end your summer, Weezer and Panic! at the Disco brought the old and the new. Both bands had recently put out new albums introducing some of the songs to a sold out Fiddlers Green. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness opened the night with his amazing stage presence. Playing a mix of Andrew McMahon and Jack's Mannequin tunes, one cannot help but sing a long. After Andrew McMahon, Panic! at the Disco excited the crowd with songs from A Fever You Can't Sweat Out to new great songs off of Death Of A Bachelor. Closing the night was Weezer playing hit songs like Pork and Beans along with Buddy Holly.
1. Twenty One Pilots at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, 7/12 and 7/13
Red Rocks has held so many amazing shows and the two sold out Twenty One Pilots shows proved how magical of a venue it is. Turning 75 years old this year, Red Rocks held the two of the best performances of the summer. Twenty One Pilots is currently one of the most listened to bands in the world. Selling out Arenas all over the world, Red Rocks being no different. The Colorado clique came together for two thrilling days. Along side the duo were bands MUTEMATH and Chef'Special, bands with brilliant sounds. Twenty One Pilots excited the crowd with old songs off of their Self Titled album and off of Blurryface, their newest and most successful album to date, the two enticing dates were the most exciting and extraordinary shows of the Summer.
