Young The Giant, In The Open Tour at Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Oct 12

Under a crisp Colorado sky, Young the Giant brought their In The Open Tour to Red Rocks with a dynamic, two-part set that moved from stripped-down introspection to full-blown rock spectacle. Joining them were a pair of standout openers: Jade Bird, who charmed with raw storytelling and country-tinged soul, and Saint Motel, who turned the stage into a high-energy, dance-fueled celebration.

Three acts, three moods — one unforgettable night carved into the red sandstone.

Jade Bird

British singer-songwriter Jade Bird brought a flair of Americana, folk, and country-rock to her first Red Rocks set, and absolutely won over the crowd. Armed with her guitar, boots, and a matching red western inspired outfit, she immediately disarmed the audience with her beautiful crooning and self-deprecating humor - focusing on the complexity of relationships, the traumas of heartbreak, and the post-clarity reflections of dating a band member. Soft spoken with a soulful voice, Jade undoubtedly earned plenty of new fans on a beautiful Colorado evening.

Saint Motel

Saint Motel is ELECTRIC. Dressed to the nines in suit jackets, this indie-pop band from LA turned Red Rocks into a party. Lead singer, AJ Jackson, was the soul of this group - joining the crowd on numerous occasions and climbing on the surrounding red rocks - but the entire band has unlimited energy. Joining in group hugs on stage, riling up the crowd, and marching around a stage that turned into a dance floor. Playing hits like “Move” from their 2016 album “saintmotelivision” to their cult-classic “My Type”, Saint Motel had the entire Red Rocks crowd in joyful motion through their entire set, a perfect opener for the headliners and a staple of the evening.

Young The Giant

“Charisma” - that’s the word you’re looking for to describe a Young the Giant performance.
Starting as “The Jakes” in 2004 and transforming into their current Young The Giant form back in 2009, this group of indie-rock legends live out their transformation on stage.
For an hour and a half, the crowd adopts the group’s mix of self-reflection, emotions, and sheer presence - a beautiful communal experience that leaves everyone a little different than when they entered the venue. Performing a split set of acoustic and electric sets really set the tone, starting with some deep crooning and verbal references to their times as adolescents starting “The Jakes”, and then guiding the night into their transformation into superstars with mainstream hits like “Mind over Matter” and “Cough Syrup”. Never miss a YTG show, that’s our verdict.