Experiencing a Lord Huron concert is always a memorable event, but witnessing them at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater elevates the experience to legendary status. As a devoted fan who has attended a dozen Lord Huron performances across various venues, including historic theaters like the National in Richmond and the Midland in Kansas City, I can confidently say that Red Rocks is in a realm of its own. This open-air amphitheater, nestled in the stunning Colorado landscape, has hosted countless music icons, and now, Lord Huron has added their name to that prestigious list.
After enduring two long years of pandemic-related postponements, the anticipation for Lord Huron’s two sold-out shows on June 1st and 2nd at Red Rocks was palpable. Fans, including myself, were eager to finally experience the magic of Lord Huron under the vast Colorado sky at this unparalleled venue.
Panoramic view from the top row of Red Rocks Amphitheater during a Lord Huron concert, city lights of Denver visible in the distance.
Securing a spot in the top row for the opening moments allowed for capturing a breathtaking overview of the scene. From this vantage point, the panoramic vista included the twinkling lights of Denver serving as a captivating backdrop to the naturally majestic amphitheater. The sheer scale of Red Rocks, combined with the excitement for Lord Huron, was immediately awe-inspiring.
Moving from the expansive overview of the top row to the intimate energy of the pit provided a completely different, yet equally thrilling, perspective. Being in the “pit” area meant being incredibly close to the band, allowing for detailed shots and a more immersive experience. It was a privilege to photograph guitarist Tom Renaud up front, showcasing his passionate performance.
Close-up shot of Lord Huron guitarist Tom Renaud performing energetically on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
The right side of the stage was dominated by the brilliant bassist Miguel Briseño, whose stage presence and musical talent were undeniable. His performance was a highlight of the evening, adding depth and rhythm to Lord Huron’s signature sound within the unique acoustics of Red Rocks.
Lord Huron bassist Miguel Briseño performing with passion on the right side of the stage at Red Rocks concert.
Center stage belonged to the captivating singer and songwriter Ben Schneider. As the frontman of Lord Huron, Schneider’s charisma and musical storytelling were the focal point of the performance. His ability to connect with the massive Red Rocks crowd was evident, drawing everyone into the band’s enchanting world.
Captivating center stage shot of Lord Huron's singer and songwriter Ben Schneider performing at Red Rocks Amphitheater.
For the majority of the concert, the vantage point shifted to ticketed seats in row 9, offering a balanced view of the entire stage and the stunning Red Rocks environment. This position allowed for capturing the full scope of the stage production and the band’s dynamic performance within the grandeur of the amphitheater.
Wide shot of Lord Huron performing on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater from ticketed seats in row 9, showing the stage setup and crowd.
The photographic approach for the concert involved utilizing a mix of lenses. Wide-angle lenses were essential for capturing the vastness of Red Rocks and the overall stage presence, while short telephoto lenses allowed for closer, more detailed shots of individual band members and their instruments.
Image showing a mix of wide angle and short telephoto lens perspectives capturing the Lord Huron Red Rocks concert.
The versatility of the band was further highlighted by Brandon Walters (top left), a guitarist who has been touring with Lord Huron since 2015. His consistent presence and talent have been a key part of the band’s live shows. Misty Boyce added another layer of musical brilliance with her exceptional keyboard skills and powerful vocals, rounding out the touring ensemble.
Image highlighting Brandon Walters and Misty Boyce performing with Lord Huron at Red Rocks, showcasing their instrumental and vocal talents.
Another shot of Misty Boyce and Brandon Walters performing with Lord Huron at Red Rocks, emphasizing their contributions to the band's sound.
The energy of the Red Rocks crowd reached a fever pitch when Ben Schneider transformed into his alter ego, Cobb Avery. This persona brought a unique and theatrical element to the performance, sending the audience into a frenzy of excitement and further solidifying the unforgettable nature of a Lord Huron show.
Ben Schneider as his alter ego Cobb Avery performing on stage, electrifying the Lord Huron crowd at Red Rocks.
Capturing the constantly changing lights at Red Rocks presented a photographic challenge. The rapid shifts in lighting conditions demanded ongoing exposure adjustments. Using a mirrorless camera proved advantageous in these dynamic situations, although achieving the perfect shot often felt like a combination of skill and sheer luck.
Image capturing the dynamic lighting effects during the Lord Huron concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater, showcasing the visual spectacle.
A particularly memorable moment was Ben Schneider’s duet with Misty Boyce on “I Lied.” This performance was a definite crowd-pleaser, showcasing the vocal harmonies of Schneider and Boyce and creating an intimate moment within the large venue.
Ben Schneider and Misty Boyce performing a duet of "I Lied" at the Lord Huron Red Rocks concert, a crowd-pleasing moment.
Mark Barry’s electrifying performance on drums provided the rhythmic backbone of the concert. His energy and skill behind the drum kit were palpable, driving the band’s performance and captivating the audience with his powerful beats.
Electrifying performance by Mark Barry on drums for Lord Huron at Red Rocks Amphitheater, showcasing his energy and skill.
Another shot of Mark Barry drumming with intensity during the Lord Huron Red Rocks concert, highlighting his crucial role in the band's sound.
The encore call at Red Rocks demonstrated the evolution of audience engagement. The traditional Bic lighters have been replaced by a sea of smart phone flashlights, illuminating the amphitheater and creating a modern, unified display of appreciation and demand for more music.
Audience using smartphone flashlights for an encore call at the Lord Huron Red Rocks concert, a modern take on the traditional lighter encore.
As the concert neared its end, a bittersweet emotion washed over me, recognizing the culmination of an incredible experience. The energy and excitement that had been building throughout the evening reached a crescendo, leaving a lasting impression of the power of live music at Red Rocks.
Emotional moment near the end of the Lord Huron concert at Red Rocks, capturing the crescendo of energy and excitement.
Lord Huron concluded their energized two-hour show and departed the stage to an audience filled with appreciation. The band’s performance at Red Rocks was not just a concert; it was a powerful and immersive experience that resonated deeply with everyone present.
Lord Huron taking a final bow on stage at Red Rocks Amphitheater after an energized two-hour sold-out performance.
To celebrate the success of these Red Rocks shows, a celebratory cake was shared with family and friends. This post-concert gathering was a fitting end to a remarkable night, marking the joyous occasion and the shared experience of Lord Huron at Red Rocks.
Celebratory cake shared with family and friends after Lord Huron's successful Red Rocks Amphitheater concerts.
Even after a two-year hiatus, Lord Huron continues to captivate audiences, selling out shows and headlining major music festivals. Their Red Rocks performances were a testament to their enduring appeal and the unparalleled magic of live music in an extraordinary setting.
