[Event Review] Gryffin ‘Alive’ Tour at Red Rocks

Photo Credit: Juliana Bernstein / @gettiny

American musician, DJ, songwriter, and record producer Gryffin made his highly anticipated stop at the world rebounded Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado where he headlined the venue for the very first time. And although most people missed the iconic red sunset the venue is known for due to the shortening days of fall, the venue was still just as beautiful, with lights illuminating the iconic “twin rocks” that can be found on either side of the seating area. Entry and exit was effluence and concession stands were well staffed and moved quickly.

Support included house artists Dot, Surf Mesa and Joel Corry. Despite Gryffin not going on until 10:30pm Local Time, the crowd arrived early and turned out for the openers. Dot opened first with a groovy house set. Surf Mesa played after and provided the audience with a great eclectic set, full of popular hits after hit and had some very impressive visuals. Finally, Joel Corry turned up the heart and whipped the crowd into a frenzy with his high bpm tech house set that had people buzzing with excitement.

Surf Mesa by @mondtography

Griffin’s show was nothing short of extraordinary. As someone who had already attended an ‘Alive’ tour stop, I thought I knew what to expect. It was expect that the classically trained musician would show off talents on his guitar, keyboards and drums, but the show was far more evolved that his first at The Brooklyn Mirage.

His visual and lighting set up was the same, with the warm new ‘Alive’ color pallet, however, his setlist was the real glow up. There have been multiple new singles released since his last show and he’s added them to the Red Rocks set and meticulously arranged for a live performance. Many of the tracks he played this time were noticeably harder and darker. Many took a turn for melodic dubstep and bass house as opposed to the Mirage set’s mixes which were more bright. He of course brought out multiple live singers as is tradition for his live shows and one of the most memorable parts of the show was a live performance on a pad machine.

Gryffin only has a few more stops left in his tour, including  his largest headlining show to date at Los Angeles State Historic Park on November 4th. So make sure you see him if he’s in your city!