An installment from a series of essays surrounding 25 of my favorite music-oriented moments of the last 25 years.

(All photos by CirdecSongs)

I’ve always found the idea of a “bucket list” — the things you’d like to do before you die — a bit maudlin. But the older I’ve gotten (I’m 59 at this writing), the more I warmed to the idea.

Turns out there are a few things if like to do and see before I shuffle from this mortal coil. Naturally, they revolve around concert venues. And lucky me — I’ve been able to cross off a big one.

It all started with a Les Claypool gig in Chicago. I got to the Salt Shed a little later than usual, since I waited until the last minute to decide to go. (I’ve seen Les live in multiple contexts quite a few times.) While I was able to get up front, I found myself relatively far to the right. As it happens, I wound up standing next to someone that would become a friend.

My new friend’s name is Joe. (Editors Note: Joe is extremely averse to social media of any kind. So, no further details are forthcoming.) Joe, I learned, is a huge Les Claypool fan, almost to the point of obsession. To that point, Joe had come from Minnesota for this show! We had a great time sharing thoughts and laughs during the show, and we exchanged numbers after.

A couple of months passed, and I learned about the Sessanta Tour. Maynard James Keenan was celebrating his 60th birthday with a tour featuring A Perfect Circle and Puscifer. The third band on the bill was Primus. Best of all, the bands would intermingle during the show, making for multiple “supergroups.”

I quickly checked the schedule for the Chicago stop. To my shock, there wasn’t one. Well, so much for that.+

A couple of days later, completely out of the blue, Joe called me. We exchanged pleasantries for a bit, then Joe said, “Did you know the Sessanta tour will be at Red Rocks?” I said no, as I was just looking for a Chicago stop. Then Joe hit me with it. “I’ve got an extra ticket. You wanna go?”

At Red Rocks? Near Denver? Well …

As it happens, Red Rocks Amphitheater is at the top of my concert venue bucket list. And one of only a couple of large venues I would be enthusiastic about.^

It was an intriguing thought, but it seemed like it might be a bit expensive. Even if I had a car, there was no way I would drive from Chicago to Denver. I don’t have the patience. I would have to fly.

I expressed my concerns. Joe was ready for it. “Look, the concert ticket isn’t that expensive,” Joe said. “In fact, consider it my treat. And you’re welcome to split my Airbnb with me. So, that won’t cost too much. I already have it. And I’ll bet you can get a flight to Denver from Chicago at a reasonable price.”

I told Joe I’d call back after I looked into a flight. And damned if I didn’t find a reasonable round-trip fare via United Airlines. And both flights were non-stop, just the way I like it!

I called Joe back. I’m in.

The flight to Denver was smooth and Joe (who had driven from Minnesota) scooped me up at the airport. The show was the next day, so we just hung out and enjoyed ourselves.

The weather that day was relatively pleasant. Sunny and pleasant. Not too warm, not too cool. Naturally, that wouldn’t last.

The best word to describe the weather the following day is raw. It was chilly, breezy, and rainy. But it didn’t do much to dampen our spirits, even though we were gonna wind up being a bit damp.

We even got a brief moment of some kind of snow and rain combination. Plus, there’s nowhere to hide from the weather. No pavilion, no awnings. You’re on your own. I’m glad I chose to wear a hoodie under my jacket.

That was the least of my concerns as we made our way up to the parking lot. Red Rocks is a sight to behold!

I thought Joe and I would get to the venue early enough to toward the front of the line. Alas, no. We found a line already queued up to the point where it came down the steep hill to the next to last level of the parking lot. All we could do is join the crowd and wait.

Once inside, it’s pretty much General Admission. We found ourselves about two thirds of the way back from the stage. Naturally, this made me a little grumpy, but the view really wasn’t all that bad.

Besides, I was too busy taking in my surroundings. I’ve seen a few concerts from Red Rocks on video. Needless to say, it completely pales next to actually being there!

Much to our joy, the weather continued to back off as we got closer to showtime. The rain stopped, the winds died down, and it even felt just a little warmer. The music gods were smiling upon us.

At last, it was showtime. Cameras were a no-no (a Keenan constant), so I have no performance photos. But you know, I’m almost glad about that. This is a bucket list item. I needed to savor it! Which I did.

Concert videos from Red Rocks always sounded terrific. Once again, it’s nothing actually being there. I had custom earplugs made because I attend so many shows and find myself up front absorbing stage volume or the full PA system from up close.

At certain shows, I’ll briefly take out one of the earplugs just to hear the show’s real volume, if only for a second. Naturally, I had to hear the true Red Rocks sound. I pulled a plug and paused. A Perfect Circle was onstage, but they didn’t sound that loud. I pulled out the other plug. Not only was it not too loud, but it was damn near perfect!

I actually put my earplugs back in their case and put the case back into my bag. I didn’t need them. Wow …

The show was, of course, spectacular. And how cool it was to be able to see downtown Denver over the horizon.

Maynard allowed us to take photos during the show’s final song. So, I went ahead and shot my shot, though part of me didn’t even want to bother.

What an experience this was! It would’ve been a shame to have missed it. This was completely worth the effort. Joe went back home the following day. I had decided to stay in Denver for a couple of extra days to explore the city and to reconnect with my old Air Force buddy Lee Anderson, whom I hadn’t seen in more than 30 years.

Denver is a pretty cool town. For the most part, I handled the altitude with relative ease. I visited three record stores and a bookstore over a couple of days, then it was time for the flight home. Only my back issues made things difficult. But that’s another story for another day.

The biggest checkmark on my American concert venue bucket list was now in place. Would I like to repeat this journey for another show? Would I go through all the time and expense? Would I once again endure despite my hatred of large venues?

Yes. For the right show, I most certainly would.

+ — A Chicago stop was added for the tour’s second leg. This happened after my trip. I sat that gig out because I hate large venues. Yes, Joe was there, too.

^ — The other is the Hollywood Bowl, which I would be more than happy to just see. A gig won’t be necessary.

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed or have your band photographed onstage in Chicago, contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com