Willie Nelson spoke to the musically faithful at Red Rocks last week during the Democratic National Convention. Photos by .
Some performers reach a point in their careers when they cease to be musicians and instead become icons. The shows are events, more about seeing the performer, while the music is secondary, if it matters at all. Such is the case with , who played at on Aug. 26.
Nelson didn’t go on till after 10:00 p.m., keeping the crowd waiting for nearly an hour after the end of set. While Hillary Clinton gave her speech at the Pepsi Center for the Democratic National Convention, the crowd at Red Rocks was apolitical. Aside from a few Obama T-shirts and a First Aid for Willie Nelson bandana that sported a hemp leaf, there was nary a whisper of politics. Indeed, the crowd seemed far more red state than purple or blue.
The only mention of politics from any of the three performers came when Jerry Jeff Walker changed the lyrics of his song “Redneck Mother” to include a reference to Texans for Obama.
It’s ironic then, that the security at last night’s show seemed so tight, including full pat-downs of everyone coming into the venue. There was a large VIP section cordoned off, but the venue itself didn’t seem too full.
started the evening with a short set that included a smooth version of “Evil Is Alive and Well.” Dylan’s groove-style soft rock led into Jerry Jeff Walker’s set, punctuated by a strong version of “Mr. Bojangles.”
Nelson himself is, at this point, seemingly ageless. He played many of his old favorites, starting his set with “Whiskey River.” His performance was well-received, and went late into the evening, with favorites like “On the Road Again” in the setlist.
Candace Horgan is a Denver writer and regular Reverb contributor.
is a Denver photographer and regular Reverb contributor.
