Red Rocks has long been known for incredible concerts, but has also had its fair share of drama-from the notorious Jethro Tull concert that resulted in a five year ban against rock music to an almost catastrophic Beatles show of 1964.
Red Rocks is now a destination of choice for both music fans and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting unique sandstone monoliths and natural acoustics that make this spot unlike any other.
The History of Red Rocks
Early 1900s saw Ute Tribe members and local mountaineers coming together to play music on a temporary platform situated between Ship Rock and Creation Rock – two renowned red rock formations known for their beautiful formations of red sandstone. John Brisben Walker began producing concerts here, which soon earned it the reputation as an outdoor music haven.
Red Rocks has hosted some of the greatest musical stars over the years, from The Beatles’ legendary 1964 performance to U2’s groundbreaking 1983 video shoot. Each act enjoyed an exceptional acoustic environment provided by ancient geological forces – be it soft rock, rock and roll or psychedelic music genres.
Denver began purchasing this area of Colorado in 1927 and construction on an amphitheater began shortly thereafter with support from Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration public work relief programs. Designed by Denver architect Burnham Hoyt, this amphitheatre features continental seating as well as acoustic design elements to complement its surrounding natural scenery.
The Geology of Red Rocks
Red Rocks Amphitheatre stands out among venues with its blend of natural scenery and astonishing acoustics to provide an extraordinary venue. Its massive sandstone walls form part of Fountain Formation – this includes Garden of the Gods and Flatirons – while their reddish hue comes from iron oxidization in sedimentary rock deposits.
Rock slabs taller than Niagara Falls were formed over millions of years. A tectonic shift at the end of Cretaceous Period caused tilted and tilted rock formations to take their current shapes; fossil fragments and dinosaur tracks can still be found throughout the park today.
Red Rocks National Park’s geological history is breathtakingly captivating, whether you’re there for musical performances or to simply explore. The visitor center provides educational displays and a short documentary, while hiking trails make Red Rocks an excellent place for outdoor adventures.
The Acoustics of Red Rocks
Red Rocks has long been recognized as a premier music venue. Nestled amid majestic 400ft-high red sandstone rocks, its natural acoustics are unrivaled, and artists often record live albums here. Additionally, this amphitheater holds up to 9000 seats which all provide stunning views.
John Brisben Walker, a local rancher in the early 1900s, began inviting musicians to play on a temporary platform he built between Ship and Creation Rock for performances that featured magnificent acoustics. Word quickly spread about its extraordinary sound quality and it soon became one of the premier venues.
Denver architect Burnham Hoyt designed his amphitheater to seamlessly blend natural rock formations with formal theater elements. To provide an intimate feel, continental seating with no center aisle was chosen for maximum impact and visitors come from around the world to attend its concerts – creating a sense of wonder unique in America! Now spread over 738 acres full of deer, dinosaurs, pines, prairie and geological attractions it remains open year-round and concerts take place regularly at this park that stands as testament to Hoyt’s vision.
The Venue at Red Rocks
Red Rocks stands as an outstanding outdoor music venue, known for its spectacular natural surroundings and unparalleled acoustics that have made it famous throughout the world. U2 released one of their iconic live albums at Red Rocks: Under a Blood Red Sky (1983) while Mumford & Sons recorded “The Road to Red Rocks” (2012) at this iconic site.
Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre draws visitors from all over the globe who come to see shows, hike on surrounding trails and participate in year-round activities such as sunrise yoga. Concerts take place from early spring through fall while during summer the amphitheatre hosts Film on the Rocks screenings as well as fitness events.
Locals consider visiting Red Rocks an essential experience; any music enthusiast visiting Colorado must attend at least one concert there. Many arrive early, staking out parking lot spots with friends to tailgate before the show begins; many even bring in food and drinks of their own to avoid expensive vendors inside the venue.