July 1, 311 played at the naturally formed Red Rocks Amphitheatre just outside of Denver, CO. The band celebrated 30 years from their debut album, and this marked the 18th time playing at the legendary venue. Fans who couldn’t be there live could still experience it through a live-stream link, and it was pretty close to being there in person.
I was really impressed with the production value, each camera angle was so crisp and free of obstruction, it was like I was in the pit. I was also happy to see that it wasn’t just the cameras on the tricaster with all the effects, but the production crew used effects at the right time, mostly during each member’s solos. The visual effects somehow recreated those effects when you’re at a live show and you feel that breakdown in your bones, or you can just feel the rhythm.
When the show started, the band came out to a simple, darkened stage. Their stage setup was simple, with the exception of the LED screen behind them that they kept simple until it got darker, so the backdrop of the venue was highlighted. In between songs, it was beautiful to see the rocks lit up.
Now, I know there are certain benefits to a live stream that in-person doesn’t afford you, you’re able to view the band right on stage for instance. With that, it felt like an intimate show, and every so often it would cut away to the audience and they’d be lit briefly. It was almost aww-inspiring to see so many people, especially the view from the stage. During their encore (“Beyond the Gray Sky”), all audience members lit up the stage with their phone lights, and it looked like stars and live-stream viewers could get a glimpse at what the band sees.
311 is a band everyone needs to experience live at least once. The band is still touring and has some great shows set up through the fall. Head to their website for all of their tour dates and catch this performance on-demand from their site as well!
Setlist:
Do you Right
Freeze Time
All Mixed Up
Sunset in July
What The?!
Beautiful Disaster
Starshines
Sweet
Come Original
Bass Solo
Brodels
Don’t Stay home
Tribute
Flowing
Eons
Applied Science
Face in the Wind
Amber
One and the Same
Omaha Style
Creatures (For A While)
Encore:
Beyond the Gray Sky
Down
