On July 19th, 2024, the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre played host to the much-anticipated return of Vampire Weekend. For long-time fans, like myself, who have followed the band’s journey from their early days in intimate venues to headlining legendary stages, this concert was a significant moment. Having witnessed their evolution since a small San Francisco show opening for Shout Out Louds in 2007, and being particularly impressed by their 2013 Red Rocks performance during the Modern Vampires of the City era, the anticipation for this Only God Was Above Us tour stop was palpable. This new album is considered by many to be their most mature and complex work to date, adding another layer of excitement to the evening.
Denver’s weather cooperated beautifully, offering a pleasant 84 degrees that gently cooled into the high 60s as dusk settled. The typical summer afternoon rain had just passed, leaving behind a vibrant rainbow arching across the sky, creating a stunning backdrop as Christone “Kingfish” Ingram concluded his captivating set of Mississippi blues. Ingram’s performance perfectly set the stage, warming up the already buzzing crowd and building anticipation for the main act. The atmosphere was electric, promising a night of musical exploration against one of the world’s most breathtaking natural amphitheaters.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram performing blues guitar at Red Rocks Amphitheatre as the opening act for Vampire Weekend.
When Vampire Weekend took the stage, now a trio expanded by a talented ensemble including a keyboardist, a second drummer, versatile multi-instrumentalists, and even a dancer, the energy shifted into high gear. They exploded into “Cousins,” immediately igniting the sold-out venue. The crowd, a mix of seasoned fans and new listeners, responded instantly, transforming the amphitheater into a sea of dancing and singing. The initial momentum was sustained through a carefully curated selection of tracks spanning their discography. From early favorites like “Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa” and “Boston (Ladies of Cambridge)” to more recent hits such as “Ice Cream Piano” and “Unbelievers,” each song was met with enthusiastic participation. The band masterfully blended the old and the new, showcasing their growth while honoring the songs that initially captured the hearts of their fanbase.
Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend singing and playing guitar at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during their 2024 concert.
However, the concert took an unexpected detour into darker and more experimental territory. A quasi-psychedelic interlude featuring tracks like “Sympathy,” “NEW DROP. NEW YORK.,” and “The Surfer” shifted the mood considerably. While showcasing the band’s willingness to explore different sonic landscapes, this segment felt protracted and led to a noticeable lull in the crowd’s collective energy. The shift in tempo and tone, while artistically ambitious, seemed to disconnect some of the audience, particularly those less familiar with the deeper cuts from their newer album.
Vampire Weekend performing a song with psychedelic lighting at Red Rocks Amphitheatre during their set.
Fortunately, Vampire Weekend skillfully recovered their stride with electrifying renditions of “Diane Young” and “A-Punk.” These high-energy anthems acted as a jolt, revitalizing the audience and bringing back the infectious enthusiasm that had characterized the beginning of the show. The crowd was once again on their feet, singing along and dancing with renewed vigor.
Fans cheering and dancing during Vampire Weekend's energetic performance of hit songs at Red Rocks.
Yet, another unexpected turn arrived in the form of a medley dubbed “Cocaine Cowboys.” This segment, a somewhat disjointed mix of “Married in a Gold Rush” interwoven with snippets of classic country and jam band songs, felt out of sync with the overall flow of the concert. Ezra Koenig’s foray into country vocals, while perhaps intended as playful, came across as somewhat misplaced. Adding to the peculiarity was a giant Cornhole game called Gold Rush, where a fan from Boulder won $300, further disrupting the musical momentum with a somewhat distracting interlude.
Ezra Koenig playing guitar during the "Cocaine Cowboys" medley at Vampire Weekend's Red Rocks concert.
The evening found redemption when Kingfish Ingram rejoined Vampire Weekend on stage for a compelling cover of Neil Young’s “Vampire Blues.” This collaboration was a highlight, blending blues and indie rock sensibilities in a powerful and unexpected way. The main set then concluded on a high note with crowd-pleasing performances of “Harmony Hall” and a selection of new tracks that showcased the band’s current musical direction.
Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Ezra Koenig performing Neil Young's "Vampire Blues" together at Red Rocks.
The encore, however, presented another mixed bag. Comprised of crowd-requested covers, it was a segment of varying success. While some choices, like 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up,” resonated well with the audience and provided a fun sing-along moment, others, including Bob Dylan’s “Brownsville Girl” and a somewhat faltering attempt at Sade’s “Smooth Operator,” didn’t quite land as effectively. This experimental encore segment, while showcasing the band’s versatility and willingness to engage with the audience, arguably overextended its welcome. Despite these uneven moments, the night ultimately closed with a resounding performance of “Walcott,” ensuring that fans departed with a final surge of energy and the enduring melodies of Vampire Weekend echoing in their minds.
Vampire Weekend concluding their Red Rocks encore with an energetic performance of "Walcott."
Exiting Red Rocks, conversations among concertgoers reflected the mixed nature of the evening. While some praised the cover choices, others, like myself, felt that Vampire Weekend’s true strength lies in their own distinctive and infectious pop anthems. While the covers and gimmicks added a layer of unpredictability, they sometimes detracted from the band’s core appeal. Despite these moments of inconsistency, the Vampire Weekend Red Rocks concert was undeniably a memorable experience. The breathtaking setting, combined with the band’s musical journey through their extensive catalog, provided a night of both exhilarating highs and slightly perplexing lows, ultimately proving to be a unique chapter in Vampire Weekend’s ongoing story at this legendary venue.
