Illenium returns to Red Rocks for the first time since 2021

Nick Miller, better known for his stage name Illenium has been making big moves in his last 5 years as a well known EDM artist - from selling out shows held in football stadiums (and setting new records in doing so), throwing his annual music festival in Cancun, and getting married only eight months ago. With as successful as he's become, you'd think he would have outgrown the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre. As Miller has done countless times in the past, he surprised his fans by returning three years later since his last show back in 2021. Traditionally, Illenium has held a two day spread for each year that he's headlined at the rocks. Unsurprisingly the show sold out and likely would have sold out the second night had the 15th been included as well.

Illenials flooded the stairs embedded between the two infamous large rocks that surround the amphitheatre as the clock hit 5:00pm on Tuesday, May 14th. Eight long weeks had finally come to an end and the day was here. Denver based artist, Bass Physics opened up the evening with a electronic set of smooth, vibrant melodies, mixed with power and energy - the perfect tone to set up the night. BP brought out another local artist and friend, Mport near the beginning of his set for a new song/remix of "Hit the Road Jack" inspired by Ray Charles. He played for approximately one hour before departing the stage, thanking Red Rocks and Illenium for having him.

Another familiar Denver local, Fairlane took the stage next with energy just as strong as Bass Physics. The Canadian born artist, known also as Tyler Mead graced the crowd with a set mixed of early 2000's punk rock and heavy bass as he played his guitar throughout the hour, including a sample from Linkin Park and a collab with lead singer Shane Told from Silverstein. A special shoutout went to William Black who was watching from the crowd as Fairlane followed up with a short sample from one of his popular tunes. Mead an intimate yet energetic set leaving fans awaiting their next opportunity to catch his show and of course even more anticipation for Illenium's later arrival.

At approximately 8pm female artist Rossy took the stage, leading with in what my opinion was the heaviest set of the night. As supporting the artist for the nights headliner, she was the perfect conclusion to a fanomenal introduction to a perfect night. Rossy held back zero energy as she threw her hair around in the wind while jumping around and headbanging throwing down banger after banger. She gave the crowd major Alison Wonderland vibes between her stage presence and colorful visuals. She played an hour long set, wrapping it up with a small tribute to localist Chester Bennington of Linkin Park. As she picked up the microphone to say goodbye and thank the the thousands of fans in front of her, tears slowly streamed down her face. Everyone cheered and clapped as she walked off stage, waving to everyone she was leaving behind for the night.

At 9:30pm the lights started to dim ever so slowly as the overhead music faded out. Fans started to roar as everyone waited for Nick to appear behind the single standing table places right in the middle of a huge screen that trickled down to the floor he'd stand on and ever so slightly on the front end of the platform. The man of the hour (or should I say two) walks out after his newer introduction that has Illenials swooning every time. As always he gives a warm welcome to all of the people staggered up the stairs and overflowing to both sides, hardly an empty space in sight. The two hour set that Miller played was a bit different than many of his sets in the past, especially for one at Red Rocks. Illenium is known for melodic drum and bass sets though many commented that this set was much less melodic and had a lot more riddim like vibes, though still keeping it close to his normal sound.

About 45 minutes in, he brought Denver artist and close friend Said the Sky up for a collab they had released some time ago. Illenium had a handful of artists/friends such as Blanke and William Black supporting from the crowd and word got around fast. With that, fans were hoping that they might make a guest appearance on stage but Said the Sky was the only acception. This didn't mean that his friends weren't mentioned in some way, as they had samples and collabs that were included in the set at some point or another such as a short piece with Blanke. Illenium also featured songs from collabs with other artists such as "Feel Something" with Excision and "Not Even Love", his newest release with Seven Lions.

Illenium's two hour set was expectedly beautiful between the visuals, lighting and the overall variety of genres perfectly put together. As the show came to an end with no encore this time, Illenium thanked his fans - wishing them a good night and safe travels home. As attendees departed the venue, guests conversed sharing how amazing the show was and happy to have heard songs such as "In Your Arms", "Good Things Fall Apart" and "Crawl Out of Love". Some even said they thought this set was better than Trilogy at Empower Field, the last show he played in Denver two years ago.

As a HUGE fan of Illenium I was not disappointed and as always he exceeded my expectations. It's always a great time being surrounded by such an amazing community and fan base amongst being able to to attend another one of his shows, especially at a venue that everyone thought he'd outgrown. I, along with the rest of his fans look forward to his upcoming events and are excited to see what else he has up his sleeve for upcoming plans and projects.