Sublime played to a sold-out crowd at their first headlining Red Rocks show this past Monday, April 21st, a highly anticipated performance that had been rescheduled due to inclement weather the Saturday before.
The night kicked off with high energy from openers Jesse James Pariah, DENM, and The Elovaters, new but worthy discoveries for many in attendance. After The Elovators wrapped up, the production team prepped the stage with three zebra-striped carpets that were rolled out, setting the tone for a wild night ahead.
By the time Sublime hit the stage, the crowd was cheering and fans were ready to soak in every moment of the legendary band’s setlist. Jakob Nowell made his entrance rocking an “I eat ass” t-shirt, casually kicking off his shoes as he settled in for the show. Meanwhile, Eric Wilson stepped out in his sparkling, circle-shaped sunglasses, sporting his new, bold, blue leopard-print tattoo on top of his head. If there’s one thing this band knows how to do, besides throw down an epic set, it’s dress to impress.
The show kicked off with Lou Dog barking through the speakers and flashing across the screen right before Jakob, Eric and Bud Gaugh launched straight into “Date Rape.” From there, it was a ride through fan favorites like “Garden Grove,” “Greatest Hits,” “Doin’ Time,” “Smoke Two Joints,” “Santeria,” “What I Got” and plenty more.
After tearing through “Greatest-Hits,” Jakob took a heartfelt pause to soak it all in. He thanked the crowd and told them that it was the audience that truly makes this whole experience what it is. He also opened up about how much it meant to be part of the band, sharing that he had grown up alongside his now-fellow band members and how kind it was of them to welcome him in.
Throughout the set, the band sprinkled in clever lyric changes, shouting out Red Rocks and Colorado, keeping the crowd laughing with witty banter between songs. Before jumping into “54-46 That’s My Number/ Ball and Chain,” Jakob turned to Bud with a smirk and asked, “Wait—how does this one go?” before quickly adding, “Oh, just like we rehearsed.” The audience then cheered as usual.
During “Ebin,” the band stirred things up with a few bold lyric swaps, taking jabs at Kanye West and Elon Musk, calling them Nazis, earning a roaring cheer from the crowd. Jakob sure knows how to keep a crowd engaged and stand for what he believes in.
The night ended with Jakob Nowell leaving the stage and climbing up the rocks, an act typically frowned upon by Red Rocks Park Rangers and a notoriously easy way to rack up some fines. Still, whenever it happens, no matter the show, the crowd eats it up and this was no different. He brought his acoustic guitar and the mic stand and serenaded the crowd with some of the best acoustic tunes the Rocks have seen.
All in all, Sublime absolutely rocked Red Rocks, leaving the crowd buzzing and wanting more. There was a laid-back, happy-go-lucky energy in the air that made the whole experience feel extra special. Families, friends and fans new and old danced the night away. Some parents even brought their little ones, passing down the music to a whole new generation. It wasn’t just a concert, it was a full-on celebration of the Sublime spirit.
All photos by Valerie Jones.
