From the moment Wallows announced their highly anticipated Model Tour, both fans and the band had been eagerly awaiting their debut at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheatre. The Los Angeles based band consisting of Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston— just released their third album, MODEL a few months ago, and are currently embarking on their North American tour.

This tour was filled with monumental firsts for the indie rock band, from their debut performance at Madison Square Garden to hosting their biggest hometown show at The Forum, marking significant milestones in their career. From playing 400 people venues just a few years ago to playing world-renowned arenas now, it’s heartening to see a band you grew up with live out their biggest dreams.

This show was particularly special for me, as it marked my first time photographing at Red Rocks—truly a bucket list venue—and my first opportunity to capture my favorite band, Wallows. In addition, you could tell that it was a special day for the band and their friends and family as well.

Before Wallows took the stage—and even before their opener, BENEE—two special guests warmed up the crowd: David Lemasters and Craig Minnette, the fathers of the two Wallows members Dylan and Braeden. Performing as the duo Double Play, they treated the audience to classics like ‘Here Comes the Sun’ and even played a song in tribute to Cole Preston’s father. For their final song, Dylan and Braeden joined them on bass and drums, creating a full-circle moment as they reflected on how they learned to play instruments from their fathers, now sharing the stage with them at the iconic Red Rocks.

As the time for Wallows to take the stage drew near, the crowd buzzed with anticipation and excitement. The minute the lights went dark the entire amphitheater erupted in cheers as the band kicked off the night with their groovy first single off MODEL, “Your Apartment”. The song served as the perfect opener, both for the show and the album, setting the tone for a performance that balanced a sense of nostalgia with an optimistic, forward-looking vibe. They transitioned to another standout from MODEL, ‘Anytime, Always,‘ and it quickly ignited the entire venue, with fans dancing and singing along. Dylan’s energy during these songs was electrifying; his passion for the performance was palpable, and he poured his heart into every note, leaving nothing behind as he captivated the crowd.

Something I always look forward to at Wallows shows is seeing which songs they choose from their discography each night. The band consistently excels at selecting tracks from across their different eras, from SpringEP to Remote, and including their various singles released over the years. Their set at Red Rocks was no exception, playing fan-favorites like

“Scrawny” from NothingHappens and “Quarterback” from Remote, but also more older singles like “Uncomfortable” and “Just Like a Movie”. There is something for everyone, for the older listeners, for the newer fans and even just casual listeners.

While singing “She’s an Actress”, Dylan Minnette wandered through the first few rows of the crowd, making his way to a B-stage placed in the middle of the venue. He took this time to make his rounds through the crowd, giving fans a chance to hear and see him up-close and personal. As the band migrated to the intimate and stripped down B-stage, they took the time to express their appreciation for the beautiful views of the city and their gratitude for having the opportunity to play this historic venue.

They played a three song acoustic set at this second stage and gave showgoers who had seats farther back a chance to be closer than they would have expected. After the stripped-down performance, Braeden Lemasters began singing “Worlds Apart” and embarked on a side quest back to the main stage. He seemed to wander and weave through the crowd, leaving the center and heading to the absolute corner of the venue. It is so refreshing to see artists purposely making it a point to interact with their fans and create opportunities for them to be a part of the show and the music. It makes for an absolutely unforgettable experience and a show to remember.

One thing that has been evident since the band’s formation is their deep love for music, which shines through in every aspect of their work. Not only that, but their friendship and relationships with each other is so raw and authentic, you can tell that they love performing and creating music together. Something you may not know about Wallows is that they were childhood best friends and formed as a band back in 2011. Witnessing their dedication to their goals and their passion is truly heartwarming and inspiring. Even as they now play larger venues, they maintain that intimate indie band vibe, bringing a sense of small-show intimacy to a wider audience. At the end of the day, they’re just three friends who love music; and who love sharing it with all of us.

Towards the end of their set, Wallows performed one of my favorite songs, “Remember When”. The instant surge of serotonin I feel in the first ten seconds of the song is unmatched. With its perfectly upbeat yet pulsing beat and nostalgic lyrics, it’s a track that feels truly made for a live performance. This song has a way of making you lose all your inhibitions, jumping to the rhythm of the guitar without a care in the world—even when you might have plenty on your mind. And I’m not the only one who feels that way. The entire venue was bouncing and singing along, completely swept up in the moment—just as the song was meant to make you feel.

The show wrapped up with their most iconic song, “Are You Bored Yet? (feat. Clairo)”. No matter how many times it’s played, I never tire of hearing it. The band lets the crowd take over Clairo’s verse, creating a wholesome and interactive moment that always feels special.

And finally, they closed off with the romantic and touching “Only Ecstasy” off their new album. With lyrics like,

“Don’t apologize for crying, I will always hold you space Beyond your fallen tears, I can see generations in your face

I see the eyes of unborn daughters, I see you on a deathbed too

Not long before or after me, ’cause I don’t want to outlive you, it’s true”

ONLY ECSTASY, MODEL

This song does a phenomenal job of closing out both the album and the show. It carries a different tone from some of their earlier work, and it’s always exciting to see how artists push the boundaries of their sound and experiment with their style—while still preserving the heart of their music. But like their fans, the band has grown up too since their first EP was released. Their new album really shows their growth in not only their lyricism and music but also with their character and personalities.

And just like that, Wallows’ very first show at Red Rocks was over. And I had the great pleasure of experiencing it. Every part of the night felt surreal—from photographing the show’s opening moments, to interacting with Braeden as he made his rounds during “Worlds Apart“, to befriending people in the audience and screaming my heart out alongside them.

Something about Wallows feels like home to me. Maybe it’s the fact that I grew up with the band and their music. I was 16 when “Pleaser” came out, 18 when NothingHappens dropped and now 23 when MODEL was released. Wallows’ discography has been the soundtrack to my adolescence and young adult life and I feel like each and every song has had an important place and time in my life. In many ways, my love for this band and their music led to a whole new world of live music, inspiring me to immerse myself in the vibrant community surrounding it. I’m incredibly grateful to have experienced this full-circle moment, much like the one the band themselves had this night. It truly felt Just Like a Movie.

If you ever have the chance to catch Wallows on tour, I would highly recommend you take the opportunity. Their live performances are always a unique and unforgettable experience, take it from someone who has been to seven of them! Even if you aren’t a fan yet, I can assure you that you will be after seeing them perform live. You can catch me at your nearest Wallows show Anytime, Always.

SET LIST:

1. Your Apartment
2. Anytime, Always
3. Scrawny
4. It’s Only Right
5. Quarterback
6. Bad Dream
7. These Days
8. You (Show Me Where My Days Went)
9. At the End of the Day
10. Canada
11. Just Like a Movie
12. A Warning
13. Uncomfortable
14. She’s an Actress
15. Pictures of Girls
16. 1980s Horror Film
17. OK
18. Worlds Apart
19. Pleaser
20. Calling After Me
21. Remember When
22. I Don’t Want to Talk
23. Drunk on Halloween
24. Are You Bored Yet?
25. Only Ecstasy