Every New Colorado Concert Announcement

Kraftwerk brings its twelve-city multimedia 3-D tour to the Ellie Caulkins Opera House on Wednesday, September 23. Reserved tickets ($49.50-$79.50) go on sale on Friday, May 8 at 10 a.m.  In support of its latest album, Black Widow, In This Moment headlines the Fillmore Auditorium on Saturday, June 27. Tickets…

BLKHRTS on the Misperceptions and Limitations of Denver

Our old friends Yonnas and King F.O.E. talked to the great Jeff Weiss in an interview published today via our sister paper, L.A. Weekly. Topics of conversation include BLKHRTS’ sound (“It’s like a cross between Robert Smith [The Cure] and Robert Diggs [RZA]”) and, in very candid terms, the limitations of…

Patrick McGuire Starts Over with Straight White Teeth

Early this year, roughly a month after the members of Denver band Flashbulb Fires announced their breakup, former vocalist Patrick McGuire found himself back on stage, this time alone with an acoustic guitar and a new project: Straight White Teeth. He knew, despite being in an emotional place, that he…

The Jesus and Mary Chain Wanted to Be a Pop Band

When Psychocandy came out in November 1985, it established the Jesus and Mary Chain as an important band of the era, with a sound that harked back to the raw quality of early rock and roll as well as the tunefulness of ’60s pop. The album also put the band…

John Moreland on Tulsa, Townes Van Zandt and More

John Moreland has a hard time telling lies. When you’re at one of the songwriter’s shows, what you see is what you get, and what he says is what he means. In his unabashed approach to writing, Moreland is steadfast in his commitment to the truth, regardless of whether or…

The People You Meet at Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom

Cervantes’ Masterpiece Ballroom has developed one of Denver’s best gathering places — on any given weekend night (and many weekdays) the place is a reliable mainstay for fans of jam bands, electronica and general goodwill. There was plenty of evidence at Friday’s Signal Path and Zoomga show; photographer Scott Lentz…

Bill Kreutzmann on the Highs (and Lows) of the Grateful Dead

I spent most of a recent week on a bike tour from the San Luis Obispo, California area up to Marin, with a two-night stay in my old home base of San Francisco. Drinking beer and reading former Grateful Dead drummer Bill Kreutzmann’s new autobiography (written with help from Benjy…

Rufus Baxter Spends His Money

Editor’s note: Each week, illustrator Noah Van Sciver shares his ongoing story of an 80s rocker on a road trip through his past with the readers of Backbeat. You can see more of Van Sciver’s work in his new book SAINT COLE from Fantagraphics books. Last Week’s Episode Of Rufus…

Rawk Fists in Paradise: The Fans of Mastodon at Red Rocks

Mastodon played Red Rocks on an overcast weekend, but the modern metal titan brought out plenty of fans anyway. Our Brandon Marshall was there to capture these affable folks in their natural pose: Holding up a rawk fist (or in some cases, the University of Texas hand symbol, for some…

The Eight Best Concerts in Denver This Week

This week’s best concerts include Matt & Kim at the Ogden, Bobby Bare Jr. at the Fox in Boulder and plenty of early May holiday action. Our full list of picks follows.  MONDAY, MAY 4 Cinco de Mayo All Day (Monday and Tuesday) ViewHouse Eatery Bar & Rooftop Star Wars…

This Is an Excellent Mosh Pit

Cavalera Conspiracy, the Brazilian brother act featuring Max Cavalera of Sepultura fame, played earlier this week at Summit Music Hall with Corrosion of Conformity and Death Angel. A particularly excellent mosh pit ensued, which photographer Brandon Marshall captured in all its aggressive glory. You can see highlights below — check…

The Ten Best Concerts in Colorado This Weekend

This weekend’s Colorado concert calendar includes appearances by nimble songwriter Bhi Bhiman, hip-hop collective the Diplomats, and more. See the full list of our picks below.  FRIDAY, MAY 1 The Diplomats$30 9:00 PM Ogden Theatre Bhi Bhiman$25/$30 7:30PM Boulder Theater Cookie Monsta$10 9:00PM Beta Total GhostFREE 7:30PM The 1up Colfax…

Rhinoceropolis in Photos: The Early Years

When Rhinoceropolis opened its doors to the public for the first time in May of 2005 for an art show, it represented a continuation of Denver’s long tradition of DIY venues. From warehouses and the like for punk shows in the 80s, the Greenhaus of early alternative rock band The…

Denver Noise Fest 2015 Schedule And Guide

The Sixth Annual Denver Noise Fest kicks off Friday night May 1st at Rhinoceropolis at 8 p.m. Over the course of two nights and Saturday mid-day, DNF will host some of the most interesting and innovative artists in the broad spectrum of the noise genre. Each night, guest DJs will…

Ten Reasons Red Rocks Is Headed for Its Best Season Yet

There’s no doubting the amount of historic moments our beautiful Red Rocks have seen. But the iconic Colorado venue has really outdone itself this year. From first-time international superstar performances to the most number of confirmed concerts ever — here are ten reasons why 2015 will be the best Red…

Every New Colorado Concert Announcement

Brad Paisley headlines KYGO’s 35th Birthday Bash on Friday, September 18 with Justin Moore and Mickey Guyton opening. Tickets ($19.80-$74.50) go on sale on Friday, May 1 at 10 a.m.  NOFX teams up with Lagwagon, Swingin’ Utters, Flatliners, Masked Intruder, Toy Guitar, Bad Cop and more for Fat Wrecked For 25 Years Tour at…

The Fort Collins Music Scene Felt the Love at FoCoMX

The Fort Collins Music Showcase (aka FoCoMX) brings out thousands of Fort Collins residents who are undeniably smitten over their town’s local talent, year after year. This year the festival runs like clockwork, and locals know who to see, and what to expect. The price for a ticket, when divided…

A Love Letter to Rhino From Artists, Inhabitants and Fans

Over the past ten years, Rhinoceropolis has invited countless acts from all over the world to play on its cement floor. It has also been a home for artists and a source of inspiration for all kinds of people. Below are stories from various musicians and artists about their experience…