The inaugural Icelantic Winter on the Rocks went down in Red Rocks concert history as being the first winter concert ever held at the gorgeous amphitheater in Morrison. C=T contributor, El Güero, weathered the fierce elements Friday night and when I asked him if he thought there would be a second Winter on the Rocks, he knew that the gluttons for punishment in the crowd would be around to sell out any future shows at Red Rocks.
Atmosphere – Rhythm of Rain [mp3]
Common (ft. Nas) – Ghetto Dreams [mp3]
Friday morning Denver was full of blowing snow, a prelude to the sparkling cold night ahead at Red Rocks’ first ever Winter Show. The freezing weather didn’t keep the kids home though, the show was sold out and crowded with partiers bundled up in coats and hats and ski jackets. A few kids were too enthusiastic to stay fully dressed and danced around shirtless, but the rest of us huddled tight and zipped up.
The event was planned to a Colorado audience, knowing both that we could tough out the cold and that Atmosphere and Common would pull in a big enough crowd. Though from Minnesota, Atmosphere is a Colorado favorite and a Red Rocks veteran.
Common’s smart East Coast style has helped shape hip hop since the early 90s, while openers Grieves and Budo are comparatively new but have been making their name underground and recently with the Rhymesayers, including Atmosphere.
After a long wait between sets and a lot of false starts as his backup musicians warmed up, Common came rushing out, running back and forth delivering an energetic and charismatic performance. He rapped smoothly and effortlessly, sharing his enthusiasm with everyone in the amphitheater while the stage could barely contain him and he seemed to want to jump over the railing into the audience.
Pulling a girl out of the crowd and on stage, he flattered and flirted to setup a freestyle he based around her name, the night and the weather while she sat beside him looking excited embarrassed and proud all at once.
Atmosphere appeared onstage almost casually compared to Common’s high energy showmanship. His raps started like a conversation, addressing the audience almost like a friend, sharing a space and a moment in time. The bond between him and everyone watching was palpable, and the emotion in his voice was clear and genuine.
Red Rocks is an iconic venue for Colorado, but never more than this night. There were hints of Aspen or Snowmass up top where booths and promoters flogged their swag and a giant sculptural fireplace drew in people looking for a little heat, while snow fell lightly past the bright lights behind the performers. There’s no doubt this was just the first of many more years of winter parties.
Word/photos by El Güero
Atmosphere
Common
Winter on the Rocks
