GRAMMY nominated multi-platinum NEEDTOBREATHE stormed the sacred stage at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Sunday, May 19th, 2024 under a starry night. The opening light show ignited a ripple of anticipation before they launched into an impassioned opening rendition of The Cave, the title track on the band’s latest album. Entering the stage through a portal of haze and smoke it appeared as though they were literally “coming out through the mouth of a cave.”
Front man Bear Rinehart grabbed the microphone, greeting the sold-out crowd with explosive vocal range in the first few minutes. His raw and fierce vocals, paired with his honest songwriting, have shaped the band’s success. 2,000 plus live performances and 20 years of touring have fine-tuned the bands musicality and energetic stage presence. Known for leaving everything they have got on the stage each night – they did exactly that during the spectacular show on May 19th.
Rinehart shared a story about the band attending a Wilco concert at the Red Rocks Amphitheater years ago which inspired them to dream about one day playing at Red Rocks. The May 19th performance was their 6th show at Red Rocks.
An apparent deep sense of camaraderie and authentic mutual respect among band members radiated from the stage. They are incredible instrumentalists and the spotlight shined on every corner of talent on the stage. The band is composed of Bear Rinehart (lead vocals, guitar, occasionally piano), Seth Bolt (bass, backing vocals), Josh Lovelace (keys, backing vocals), Randall Harris (drums, percussion), and Tyler Burkum (guitar). Supporting the tour are Brandon Walters (guitar, auxiliary player) and soulful backup vocal duo, Wil Merrell and Sarina-Joi Crowe.
Josh Lovelace captivated the audience with a harmonica solo and later on keys.
Drummer Randall Harris had turn at the mic covering the White Stripes hit, “Seven Nation Army.” The contagious riff and his heartbeat drum rhythm had the 10,000 attendees on their feet.
The cover medley also included a Led Zeppelin favorite led by bass guitarist Seth Bolt singing “Whole Lotta Love.”
This was a rock and roll show and NEEDTOBREATHE fired on all cylinders. The show included a strong and delightful scent of incense that could be seen burning on the stage. A huge LED screen served as the stage backdrop portraying various images and videos throughout the evening adding another layer to captivate the senses of the enthusiastic audience.
The middle segment of the show was an impactful transition to weave in their mission- driven intention to make an impact locally through the bands’ alliance with For Others to support Foster Care systems keeping funds local. A short video gained everyone’s attention as Rinehart’s voice introduced us to the organization. As the video ended, the band re-appeared on stage for an acoustic set where they explained that a portion of each night’s tickets go back into the community to help kids without a home. Denver’s ticket sales help kids in Denver and the same occurs for each city they visit.
For the past 10 years, NEEDTOBREATHE Cares has focused on using their music platform to support charitable global initiatives important to the band. They have partnered with OneWorld Health and recently For Others. If you were at the show you saw the QR code on the screen with a link to the donation page For Others to make an impact. It is not too late to donate!
Rinehart delivered one of the band’s biggest hits, “Brother” as the charismatic front man high-fived fans, posed for selfies and hugged strangers walking a giant lap through the Red Rocks stands all without missing a beat belting the fans’ beloved anthem.
The encore was “Dreams” which included opener Judah & the Lion returning to the stage to join in the celebratory song. Just like the dramatic entrance, the end was a family-packed grand finale as several sons joined their talented dads on the stage.
To read about the opening set with Judah & the Lion click here. It was amazing to witness the passionate and emotive sign language interpreters throughout the night.
If you want to replay the evening, check out Veeps.com to buy the livestream through Monday, May 27, 2024. The band has an extensive tour planned for the remainder of 2024. Get tickets and go experience the magic of NEEDTOBREATHE.
For more information:
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VEEPS to watch the Livestream until May 27, 2024
Story and all photos by Deb Schaefer (Instagram and Website)
