Photographer: Hannah Pohlmeyer
Drops of Jupiter, Buckets of Nostalgia: Train makes a celestial stop at red rocks
Under the stars and towering red rocks, Train brought 25 years of Drops of Jupiter to life at Red Rocks Amphitheatre. With Matt Nathanson and Barenaked Ladies warming up the crowd, the night was a nostalgic celebration of songs that have stayed with us for generations.
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A night at Red Rocks Amphitheatre is almost guaranteed to be magical. With stars stretching across the sky, towering red rocks glowing around the crowd, and thousands of people united by a shared love of music, the setting alone feels unforgettable. But add in nostalgic, timeless hits, songs whose lyrics have found their way into the hearts of generations, and you have the recipe for something truly special: a night that feels both larger than life and perfect in every way. That is exactly the feeling Train brought to the famous venue with their Drops of Jupiter: 25 Years In The Atmosphere Tour on August 17th in Morrison, CO.
The night began with Matt Nathanson taking the stage, quickly setting the tone for an incredible evening. Fans arrived early and steadily filled the venue, eager to catch Nathanson’s set, which balanced his signature hits with playful, unexpected renditions of classic songs. From fan favorites like “Come On Get Higher” and “Car Crash” to his lively take on “Boys of Summer,” Nathanson effortlessly brought the crowd into the evening. His warm, charismatic stage presence made the opening set feel like the beginning of a night spent among old friends and familiar songs.
Next up was Barenaked Ladies, bringing their unmistakable blend of humor, charm, and infectious energy to the stage as the sun dipped behind the horizon and the first stars appeared overhead. From the instantly recognizable “One Week to If I Had $1,000,000,” the band had the Red Rocks crowd singing, laughing, and dancing from beginning to end.
Their set even included a crowd-pleasing rendition of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” mixed with Beyonce’s “Texas Hold ‘Em” and other modern hits, showcasing their ability to put their own playful spin on any song. Perhaps the most entertaining part, though, was the audience itself. Thousands of fans danced, sang at the top of their lungs, and completely lost themselves in the music. Barenaked Ladies created a celebration of their own, leaving Red Rocks buzzing with energy as the night gave way to the main event.
Beneath the glow of Red Rocks and a sky filled with stars. A familiar image began to appear across the screens: a little boy wearing a gold crown. The crowd instantly recognized the unmistakable cover of Train’s 2001 album, Drops of Jupiter, and the anticipation in the the amphitheater was palpable. Moments later, the band took the stage and launched into “She’ s on Fire,” kicking off an hour and a half of nostalgia, infectious energy, and timeless songs. Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Drops of Jupiter, Train delivered a set that felt like a trip through the soundtrack of the early 2000s, while still proving why these songs have endured for so long. From the opening notes, the sold-out crowd was on its feet, singing along to lyrics that clearly held personal memories for so many in attendance, including myself. With the stars overhead and the red rocks illuminated around them, it was the kind of setting that made every song feel just a little more meaningful. From gigantic beach balls floating through the crowd, fans tossing phones on stage during “If It’ s Love,” and multiple proposals during “Marry Me,” the show was full of unforgettably fun and perfect moments.
Article by: Hannah Pohlmeyer
Plug In. Tune Out.
Train is an American pop-rock band formed in San Francisco in 1993, fronted by vocalist Patrick Monahan. Known for hits like “Drops of Jupiter,” “Hey, Soul Sister,” and “Meet Virginia,” their sound blends heartfelt storytelling, catchy melodies, and polished rock with a distinctly nostalgic feel.
