King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard Ignite Red Rocks with a Cosmic Show
On a brisk Colorado evening, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard kicked off the first of their three show residency at Red Rocks Amphitheater, delivering an unforgettable two-hour set that left fans buzzing with adrenaline. Known for their ever-evolving sound that blends rock, metal, jazz, and psychedelia, the Aussie band made their triumphant return to the iconic venue with a performance that pushed the boundaries of what a live concert can be.
Opening the night with "Daily Blues" from their latest album, Flight b741, the band immediately set the tone for the evening—an otherworldly journey through their vast musical universe. The crowd, packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the natural amphitheater, was instantly captivated. From the opening chords, it was clear that King Gizzard was here to bring their signature high-octane energy, and the audience was more than ready for the ride.
Over the course of 15 songs pulled from 11 different albums, the band showcased the full range of their eclectic sound. Fans were treated to the live debut of "Hog Calling Contest," also off Flight b741, a track that brims with an off-kilter blend of intricate guitar work and driving rhythms. The raw excitement in the crowd was palpable as the band tore through this new territory with precision, delivering a complex yet exhilarating performance.
Other highlights included tour debuts of "Elbow" and "Stressin," both tracks marking their first time played live during this run. These rarities, along with the mix of old favorites, showcased King Gizzard’s deep catalog and their ability to keep even the most die-hard fans on their toes. The setlist, spanning multiple genres and eras, felt like a celebration of the band’s entire career, leaving no sonic stone unturned.
As always, the musicianship on display was impeccable. Whether dipping into heavy, riff-laden rock or swirling into psychedelic jazz interludes, King Gizzard moved seamlessly from one style to the next, keeping the audience entranced. Each song felt like a sonic adventure in its own right, with the band pushing their improvisational skills to the limit, yet maintaining tight, cohesive structures that had the crowd cheering at every turn.
Red Rocks, with its breathtaking natural surroundings and unmatched acoustics, proved to be the perfect backdrop for the band’s dynamic performance. The amphitheater itself seemed to pulse along with the music, as the stage lights reflected off the towering red rock formations, creating a cosmic atmosphere that matched King Gizzard’s expansive sound.
The crowd, a dedicated mix of rock lovers, metalheads, jazz aficionados, and psych enthusiasts, was fully engaged from start to finish. Whether headbanging during the heavier tracks or swaying along to the more psychedelic moments, the energy in the audience was electric, with fans hanging on every note.
By the time the band wrapped up their set, King Gizzard had delivered a performance that felt as expansive as their ever-growing discography. With two more nights at Red Rocks to go, it’s clear that this band is only getting started.
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