twenty one pilots

Photo courtesy of Kiddest Metaferia

Twenty One Pilots has a cult following of fans as varied as the band’s musical style. Before the sun reached its peak, high-schoolers on summer break could be seen stretched out across the warm rock benches starting at 10 a.m. Decked out in red beanies and band t-shirts, they reserved the best seats while anxiously waiting for Twenty One Pilots to take the stage.

Some 10 hours later, the Ohio duo did not disappoint. They took the stage to energetic screams, under elaborate lights. Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun have a good relationship with their ever-expanding fan base. Their songs are nostalgic but not melancholy and allow people from all walks of life to enjoy swaying to the more low-key melodies like “Blurry Face” or mirroring the band’s high energy during “Guns For Hands”.

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Photo courtesy of Kiddest Metaferia

Throughout the performance, Joseph would disappear and reappear on different platforms around Red Rocks, and kept us guessing but also slightly distracted with their version of Where’s Waldo. He also jumped off of one leg on top of the piano – which was impressive, considering he was over halfway into a performance at over a mile elevation.

Twenty One Pilots didn’t just sit behind their instruments. Joseph was all over the stage engaging the crowd. Dun took his shirt off (thank you, Colorado summer heat). They brought out openers Mutemath and Chef’Special to accompany them for throwbacks like “Twist and Shout” and a somewhat non-sequential but incredibly catchy rendition of “My Heart Will Go On”. Move over Celine Dion.

Photo courtesy of Kiddest Metaferia

Photo courtesy of Kiddest Metaferia

The heat over Red Rocks was layered so thick it made the surrounding city lights twinkle under each wave. As the show came to a close, the crowd and band’s energy began to wane. In both an attempt to please and catch his breath, Joseph let the crowd sing whole lines of some of their more popular songs like “Car Radio” and “Tear In My Heart”.

Photo courtesy of Kiddest Metaferia

Photo courtesy of Kiddest Metaferia

At the end of the show, Joseph let the audience decide whether the show should go on, and of course, everyone begged for an encore. The guys obliged and played two solid standby’s – “Goner” and “Trees”. If you haven’t had the chance to catch one of their last three Denver performances, try and see next time. You won’t be disappointed.

Go here to see our full gallery from the show.