Concerts

Deftones Deliver a Genre-Bending Masterclass in Denver: Photos

Ball Arena erupted as Deftones led a night of sonic intensity and genre-defying brilliance.
Deftones performed at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
White Pony (2000) marked a shift toward atmospheric and experimental sounds, earning critical acclaim.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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Ball Arena became a sanctuary for heavy-music fans as Deftones headlined a night packed with genre-defying performances. To kick things off on September 15, the Barbarians of California unleashed a gritty, hardcore-infused set that immediately sent adrenaline surging through the crowd. Next, IDLES stormed the stage with explosive post-punk energy, igniting a frenzy of movement and cathartic release as fans collided in joyful chaos.

As the lights dimmed and anticipation peaked, Deftones emerged in a haze of moody visuals, commanding the stage with Chino Moreno’s haunting vocals and the band’s signature fusion of crushing riffs and ambient textures. The band tore through fan favorites like “Diamond Eyes” and “Change (In the House of Flies),” each song landing with emotional intensity and sonic precision. Ultimately, the night unfolded as a transcendent celebration of sound — where raw power met atmospheric beauty, and every moment resonated with unforgettable force.

See photos from the show below.

Deftones performed at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado with IDLES and Barbarians of California.
They toured globally in 2006–2007, performing across North America, Europe, South America, Japan, and Australia

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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The Barbarians of California opening for IDLES and Deftones at Ball Arena.
The Barbarians of California’s debut album is titled And Now I’m Gnashing My Teeth.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnson

IDLES opening for Deftones at Ball Arena.
IDLES’ Joy as an Act of Resistance (2018) propelled them into the spotlight.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Deftones performed at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Around the Fur (1997) featured the breakout hit “My Own Summer (Shove It),” which gained major MTV airplay.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

A Deftones fan wearing artist merch.
Deftones fans made their presence known at Ball Arena

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxa

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The Barbarians of California opening for IDLES and Deftones at Ball Arena.
Formed by Aaron Bruno (AWOLNATION) and Eric Stenman.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

The Barbarians of California opening for IDLES and Deftones at Ball Arena.
They drew inspiration from California skate culture and 1990s hardcore punk.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

The Barbarians of California took center stage at Ball Arena.
The Barbarians of California emerged from a decade-long collaboration between Bruno and Stenman.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

IDLES opening for Deftones at Ball Arena.
IDLES’ debut album Brutalism (2017) received critical acclaim.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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Deftones takes the stage at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Formed in 1988 in Sacramento, California, Deftones began as high school friends jamming in garages.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

IDLES opening for Deftones at Ball Arena.
IDLES is known for politically charged lyrics and themes of mental health and masculinity.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Deftones takes the stage at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
The band’s name combines “def” (slang for cool) and “tones,” reflecting their blend of heavy and melodic sounds.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Deftones performed at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Deftones won a Grammy Award in 2001 for Best Metal Performance for “Elite” from White Pony.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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Deftones performed at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Chino Moreno’s vocal style is heavily influenced by The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Duran Duran.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Deftones performed at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Their debut album, Adrenaline (1995), was produced by Terry Date and eventually went platinum despite slow initial sales

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Deftones performed at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado with IDLES and Barbarians of California.
Deftones were part of the Big Day Out festival in Australia and New Zealand in 2003

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

Deftones stage display at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
Their fourth album was originally titled Lovers before being renamed Deftones (2003).

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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Deftones stage display at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado
Deftones have cited influences ranging from Faith No More and Afrika Bambaataa to Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.

Photography by: Brandon Johnson (@bjohnsonxar)

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