Damien Rice and Iron & Wine Hypnotize Red Rocks -

By Shanna Fisher
Photos by Shanna Fisher

MORRISON, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater is one of the most sought out venues in the world for artists to perform. Opener Iron & Wine, as a repeat performer with headliner Damien Rice being a first timer, these guys put on two incredible solo performances. The crowd either listened with the calmest silence in the air or shouted & whistled out with amazing cheers that echoed between the rocks.

Sam Beam of Iron & Wine, brought out some quirky whit & innocent humility. Even though he may have slipped passed a few words & tweaked some chords, he giggled and kept on playing. Easing into his set with ‘Upward Over the Mountain’ the audience swayed with each beat. He shouted out for some requests but ended up playing what he felt. Sam strummed out ‘Jezebel’, ‘Freedom Hangs Like Heaven’, did an incredible cover of Flaming Lips ‘Waitin’ for Superman’ then ended with a favorite ‘The Trapeze Swinger’. Lovers cuddled, and kissed, friends hugged and silently cheersed their drinks. His fans loved every moment of him being him.

Minutes before Damien Rice hopped on the stage a message to turn off all electronic devises and enjoy the show softly came over the speakers. As a respectful audience, they did. He started off his set with ‘My Favourite Faded Fantasy’ and really rocked it! Taking a sip of red wine, Damien said ‘Red Rocks is such a beautiful place to sing sad, depressing songs’. Although sad & depressing he writes beautiful songs. Halfway through his set, he played a charming version of ‘Trusty and True’ with a tabletop accordion. With the audience so calm and somewhat hypnotized, he pulled out ‘Volcano’ and requested audience participation with the chorus. To close the set out he rocked ‘It Takes a Lot to Know a Man’. Most of his set was softly lit but he brought different effects and instrument looping with his clarinet and various percussion. Definitely an awesome rock out to close with.

Damien Rice has really paved the way for many singer/songwriters popular today. His music is smooth and inviting with his lyrics beautiful. A lovely solo performance for a first time Red Rocks performance.