We Bought Tickets to See Conan Gray at Red Rocks—And Ended Up in a Coming-of-Age Movie
Colorado Goes Wild for Conan Gray's Tour Stop
By Maddie Weizenegger - November 30, 2025
Conan Gray turned his lifelong dream into reality on October 6 with a stunning concert at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. From the moment he rode onto the stage on a bike during “My World,” it was clear this would be more than a concert — it was a story coming to life.
Gray shaped the night along the lines of a theatre performance, complete with acts that followed the emotional arc of his new album, intertwined with carefully selected songs from his older albums. Each moment of the night appeared crafted and compelling, with a dramatic set design incorporating a sailing boat, changing backdrops, and multiple costume changes. Each component of the visual added to the narrative he was telling — both artistic and vulnerable.
Our writer, Maddie, arriving to the Conan Gray Concert at Red Rocks, CO
But one of the most moving moments came during “Eleven Eleven,” when Gray halted midway through his set to take in what was before him. With thousands of fans singing his lyrics back to him, he stood wordlessly under the night sky, visibly moved. And again later, during “Class Clown” — a track about family, identity, and growing up — he was overcome once more, wiping away tears as he performed a raw extract of himself for the audience.
The show also featured an exclusive interactive moment inspired by artists like Taylor Swift and Sabrina Carpenter. Gray implemented a “wishbone game,” typically used to determine surprise songs. But in a sentimental turn of events, he revealed there would be only one decision that night: “Astronomy,” his dream song to perform at Red Rocks.
As soon as he began to sing “This Song,” the fans illuminated the place with blue glowing hearts on the flashlights of their cell phones — a fan project that created a beautiful sea of light across the amphitheater.
Gray’s connection with the crowd was the show’s strongest point. Despite Red Rocks’ size, he managed to make the night feel intimate — stepping off stage to high-five people in the front rows, sharing personal anecdotes, and engaging with the audience through humor and warmth. His presence on stage was commanding but low-key, and his ability to maintain high energy levels throughout the set kept the whole venue entranced.
Vocally, Gray surpassed expectations. His live show highlighted remarkable range and control, especially in his chilling performance of “Heather,” where he sang the original verse with fragile precision. His tone soared through the natural acoustics of Red Rocks, combining emotional intensity with technical proficiency.
By the time the night was over, Conan Gray’s set felt like the culmination of years of dreaming, working, and perfecting his craft. It wasn’t a concert — it was a full-circle moment for an artist whose storytelling, vulnerability, and relationship with his fans continue to set him apart in today’s pop world.
