2015-07-20 Red Rocks Amphitheater, Morrison, CO

Last night’s show surpassed my expectations. This was easily the BEST show I’ve seen them do with Dave since his return. I don’t know if Dave has been doing vocal warm-ups or what, but whatever he’s done between ’12 and now has seriously helped. He’s not out there carrying notes like Pavarotti, but it sure as hell isn’t the Dave we heard vocally from last tour.

I still think “Me Wise Magic” should be the set opener, or used to close the set, but “Light Up The Sky” is still great and a nice change of pace from “Unchained.” Both Ed and Dave were playing off one another, complete with smiles and laughter. I didn’t see any rolling of the eyes from Ed when Dave would go off on one of his many stories, as we’ve seen in the past. Ed’s playing last night was phenomenal, and improves with each tour. Still love hearing “In a Simple Rhyme” and “Dirty Movies” in there, and as far as these two songs go, it sounded as though they’ve worked out any kinks from the first few shows. Dave really didn’t mess anything up lyrically last night that I could tell. I’m sure there were probably a few here and there, but I was in such a zone it didn’t really matter to me. Al’s playing is solid as ever. He’s pounding those skins as though he’s still 20 years old. And Wolf? He’s grown into his role as a full band member, musician, and shouldn’t be looked at as “Eddie Van Halen’s bassist son” any longer. I love Dave’s line about how he was going to title his life story “50 Shades of Dave.” Yes, there were times when he droned on just a little too long, but I love hearing his stories, and even now he is so much better as a frontman than Hagar ever was. I love the Sam era of VH, but live he never had what Dave has, regardless how much he tried. One thing about Dave and last night, though; he had more wardrobe changes than Cher. Ed played a riff during his solo that wasn’t anything I recognized, so maybe it’s something he’ll use in a possible new song? The only downside I saw to the entire show was seeing Ed, Al, and Wolf exit the stage at the end of the show to one side, and Dave exited the opposite side. So, yeah, even though they’re all displaying a “happy happy joy joy” vibe onstage, it looks as though once the show is over, the business aspect of it is done and they go their separate ways until the next gig.

Weather last night sucked, until about 30 minutes before the show started. There was wind, and a decent wind upon arrival, but all that stopped about five minutes after KWS left the stage. After that, the weather cleared up, for the most part, and it was a beautiful night. I’ve been waiting to attend a show at Red Rocks ever since I first saw the “U2 Live at Red Rocks” home video when I was kid, so this was a big deal for me, made even better that it was it was my favorite band playing introducing me to an actual live experience there.

Hooked up with Scott (Voodoo), Ron, Ron, and Dave. Hung out under a red rock overhang, laughing and enjoying each other’s company until the show started. The only other time I’ve “met” Voo was while while walking the streets of Tokyo in search of bootlegs and talking with him on my cellphone. That was around maybe ’97 (?). Finally glad to put a face with the voice. Almost walked past Ron & Ron when my wife & I entered the venue because, seeing that it was raining, I had removed my glasses so it was hard to see. Secured a Jack Daniels bandanna from Dave, and my wife was very pleased with it.

Couple in the fact that I hung out with some very great people, and the show was FLAWLESS, and you’re talking to one very satisfied Van Halen fan. The only sad part was the fact that it had to end. Here’s to hoping these guys can keep it together and give us more in the years to come.

I’m still in Denver and only have access to my cell phone but I just wanted to chime in and say that last night’s performance at Red Rocks was by far the best van Halen show I’ve ever seen. Bar none. Regardless of the earlier weather the show itself was absolutely legendary. I can’t wait to get a copy of the full show on DVD or possibly blu-ray and relive that night all over again. Great finally meeting up with my long time buddy Vince and his lovely wife. Also always a pleasure to hook up with “The World Famous Traveling Rons”, F’n Rog, Ed and also great to finally meet DaveinAZ and his wife as well. Looking forward to Labor Day weekend in Detroit!

I shot stills and a little video. I won’t be able to watch the video on a larger screen till next week, but what I saw on the LCD looks great. I wish I had shot more.

I think I got some nice pictures as well, but again, that will have to wait till next week. Sight-seeing the rest of the week in CO and Utah before heading back home this weekend.

I got goosebumps again thinking about the show at Red Rocks. The pre-show weather sucked ass, but cleared for VH to put on an Amazing show!

The guy that filmed that great footage in 4K format (3rdDayRocker) has put loads more clips up inc. In a Simple Rhyme, HFT, Women In Love, Drop Dead Legs

click here for his channel https://www.youtube.com/user/3rdDayRocker/videos

absolutely killer stuff! i love how clear and close…but i am still scratching my head about WTF is the “as one called it the Lite-Bright screen” behind them!!! chinatown they run video and it looks jacked… maybe they are helping push the new pixels movie??

sounds really good.