If you want a true review of a Sublime with Rome show, check out my review from The Fillmore in April…last night at Red Rocks was essentially the same show.
That being said, last night was a lot more fun. And how could it not be? Red Rocks vs. The Fillmore…c’mon now!
My buddy and I showed up early and felt like the old guys at the show. The place was crawling with teenagers. I couldn’t figure this out at first, but once Dirty Heads took the stage I understood. This reggae rock band from Huntington Beach wear their 311 and Pepper influences on their sleeve and they have a huge, young following. When asked how many ‘dirty heads’ were in the crowd about 4,000 tween/teenage hands went up in the air! I do wonder how many of these fans recognized Paint It Black as a Rolling Stones cover. But after a few beers they were fun. I will probably never listen to them again, but fun just the same.
Dirty Heads
Matisyahu was up next. I first heard about him about 4 or 5 years ago and figured the novelty (he’s a Hasidic Jew reggae singer) would wear off quickly. Not being a reggae fan myself, I never really followed him. But damn if he didn’t bring it last night. The guy started out a little slow but by the end he was on fire! The venue was pretty full by this point and everyone was on their feet. I don’t think there was a single soul standing still by the time he ended his set.
Matisyahu
By the time Sublime took the stage we had found our way from our seats in row 31 to someone else’s seats in row 8. Since everyone was standing, we just kinda made our way up. At first I was worried we would be pissing people off, but we picked the right crew to infringe on! A group of diverse friends from Capital Hill. A girl that grew up in a small town in Maui called Kiehi (where I watch most of the 2004 World Cup at my buddy’s house after traveling through Asia), a girl who might have drank a little too much from Saskatchewan (who agreed with me that Red Rocks is better than The Gorge even if her friend did not agree), a guy who lived in San Diego and San Francisco who had also seen Sublime back in the day and another guy, Mark/Ryan, who didn’t really appreciate us crowding his space. Overall, really good group of people who’s conversation made the night even better.
Capitol Hill Crew w/Cary
Sublime performed another great set with all the favorites as well as a couple new songs.
Sublime
Rome seemed a little amazed to be playing THIS stage, but he held his own and didn’t miss a beat…even when the crowd seemed to lose interest during some of the new material.
Sublime
The night ended with a sing-along version of Santeria at just about midnight on 7/11…which just happened to be my buddy’s birthday. Great ending to the show and great start to a birthday!
So overall, the same show as a few months ago with the exception of some good openers and being at an amazing venue on an beautiful night.