Lewis Capaldi & Joy Crookes at Red Rocks: Night 2

Some Red Rocks shows are memorable because everything goes perfectly. Others become unforgettable because absolutely nothing does.

Lewis Capaldi’s second night at Red Rocks in late April 2026 landed firmly in the second category.

Cold temperatures, steady rain, and ongoing technical issues could have derailed the evening entirely. Instead, they transformed it into one of those uniquely Red Rocks experiences where the audience and artists seem to form an unspoken pact: we’re all here, we’re all soaked, and we’re going to make this work together.

Before Capaldi took the stage, British singer-songwriter Joy Crookes opened the night with a beautiful set. I have loved her for a while, so I was excited to see her, and her voice immediately grabbed our attention. Rich, soulful, and effortlessly controlled, she delivered the kind of performance that makes you start taking notes for future tours. Even as the weather worsened, Crookes remained completely composed, giving the audience a glimpse of why she’s become such a respected artist.

Of course, the weather wasn’t finished causing problems.

As rain continued to fall over Red Rocks, technical difficulties began piling up throughout the evening. Equipment struggled. Delays stretched longer than anyone wanted. At several points, it felt uncertain exactly how much of a show we’d ultimately get.

What happened next ended up making the night special.

Rather than trying to force a full production through malfunctioning gear, Capaldi adapted. Much of the evening became an acoustic performance, stripping away the layers of production and putting the focus squarely where it belonged: on the songs and that voice.

And what a voice it is.

Capaldi has always been known for his ability to move between humor and heartbreak in a matter of seconds, but hearing him in a mostly acoustic setting highlighted just how powerful his vocals really are. Without many of the usual production elements, every lyric felt more direct. Every emotional peak landed harder. The crowd hung onto every note.

The weather may have created obstacles, but it also created intimacy.

Thousands of people sat bundled in jackets and ponchos, shivering through the chilly spring night while cheering each successful song and patiently waiting through every setback. Instead of frustration, there was a surprising sense of camaraderie. It felt less like a massive concert and more like a shared adventure unfolding in real time.

That’s one of the things Red Rocks does better than almost any venue in the world. When conditions get difficult, the audience often rises to meet the moment. This show was a perfect example.

And knowing Lewis’ struggles with mental health, listening to him belt out “Survive” actually made me cry while photographing the show.

For my first experience seeing both Joy Crookes and Lewis Capaldi, it certainly wasn’t a typical night. But in many ways, that made it even better. Neither artist relied on spectacle. Both relied on extraordinary voices and genuine connection with the audience. Even as rain complicated nearly every part of the production, the music never stopped being the focus.

Years from now, most people probably won’t remember exactly which songs were delayed or which pieces of equipment refused to cooperate. They’ll remember standing together in the rain at Red Rocks, watching Lewis Capaldi turn a challenging night into something unexpectedly beautiful.

Photos displayed in random order. Click any thumbnail for a larger version. Then use the navigation arrows (or your keyboard arrow keys) to move left and right through the photographs.

Joy Crooke – Denver Concert Photos

Lewis Capaldi – Denver Concert Photos

Lewis Capaldi Setlist from Red Rocks Night 2 – 04/29/26

Survive
Grace
Heavenly Kind of State of Mind
Forever
Wish You the Best
Love the Hell Out of You
Almost
Bruises
Pointless
Something in the Heavens
Leave Me Slowly
Forget Me
Before You Go
Stay Love
Hold Me While You Wait
Someone You Loved

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Greeblehaus is a Denver-based music and travel blog sharing concert photography, reviews, and stories from live music across Colorado and beyond. You can find more upcoming shows in our Denver concert calendar.