Red Rocks Amphitheatre 2023 Lineup Taking Shape

Red Rocks Amphitheatre is a natural wonder that has become one of the most iconic music venues in the world. Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Denver, Colorado, Red Rocks is a geological marvel that has been hosting concerts and events for over a century including many historic and genre altering shows (see below).  2023 will be no different as some of the hottest acts in music have already announced shows including Blues Traveler, Chelsea Handler, Dermot Kennedy, Duran Duran, K-Love Radio, Shakey Graves, Steve Miller Band, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Vance Joy, and Whiskey Myers.  Although 2023 is sure to be a year to remember, let's take a closer look at the history of Red Rocks and some of the historic concerts that have taken place at the Amphitheater.

The history of Red Rocks Amphitheater can be traced back to the early 1900s. In 1906, the city of Denver purchased the land that would eventually become Red Rocks Park. The following year, John Brisben Walker, a former owner of Cosmopolitan Magazine, recognized the potential of the natural amphitheater and proposed that it be developed as a concert venue. Construction on the amphitheater began in 1927 and was completed in 1941.

One of the most significant events in the history of Red Rocks Amphitheater took place on June 15, 1947, when the venue hosted a concert by the legendary opera singer, Mary Garden. This concert marked the first time that the venue had been used for a musical performance. Over the years, Red Rocks has hosted a wide variety of musical acts, including The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, U2, and many others.

In addition to music, Red Rocks has also been the site of many historic events. In 1964, the venue was used as the backdrop for the final scene of the classic film, "The Unsinkable Molly Brown." In 1978, President Jimmy Carter gave a speech at Red Rocks during his re-election campaign. In 1983, the venue hosted the final concert of the "US Festival," which was organized by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak.

One of the most famous events in the history of Red Rocks Amphitheater took place in 1965 when the venue hosted a concert by the legendary rock band, The Beatles. This was the only concert that The Beatles ever played in Colorado, and it remains one of the most iconic events in the history of the venue. The concert was not without its challenges, however. The band was originally scheduled to play at the Denver Coliseum, but the venue was deemed unsafe, so the concert was moved to Red Rocks at the last minute. Despite the challenges, The Beatles played an unforgettable set that included classic songs like "Twist and Shout" and "A Hard Day's Night."

Another memorable event that took place at Red Rocks Amphitheater was the 1983 concert by the Irish rock band, U2. This concert was part of the band's "War" tour and was filmed for the concert movie, "U2 Live at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky." The concert is considered by many to be one of the best live performances in the history of rock music.

Today, Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the most popular music venues in the world. It continues to host a wide variety of musical acts and events, as well as being a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The venue's unique location and stunning natural beauty make it a one-of-a-kind experience that should be on every music fan's bucket list.