May 14, 2025: Rilo Kiley

May 14, 2025: Rilo Kiley

Alright, Tony Price reporting from a truly special and long-awaited night at Red Rocks – Tuesday, May 14th, 2025, with Rilo Kiley! After all those years, the band's reunion tour finally made it to our incredible venue, and let me tell you, the buzz was palpable.

The weather for a mid-May evening in Colorado was likely just about perfect – a cool, clear night, providing that ideal atmosphere for an outdoor show with a band that holds such a special place in so many hearts.

Rilo Kiley's return was definitely a "collective exhale" for many fans. Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett, along with the rest of the band, stepped onto that stage and it felt like a dream that wasn't sure was gonna happen. Their indie-rock sound, with its sharp lyrics and bittersweet melodies, resonated through the rocks in a powerful way. Jenny's vocals were reportedly piercing and raw, carrying that emotional weight that hits you right in the gut.

The crowd was a sight to behold – a mix of long-time fans who'd been waiting 17 years for this reunion, and maybe some younger folks discovering them. There was a real sense of communion, people turning to each other and singing along with smiles reserved for songs that have lived in their bones for decades. You could feel the emotion in the air, a mix of nostalgia and pure joy.

Even with the occasional technical hiccup – I heard Blake Sennett might have had some pedalboard problems and they even flipped the order of "With Arms Outstretched" and "Silver Lining" – it didn't seem to faze anyone. Jenny Lewis even had a chuckle about mic stumbles, and the band's chemistry was undeniable, moving as one. They played for a good 90 minutes, hitting all the fan favorites from "The Execution of All Things" to "Portions for Foxes" and even deeper cuts like "Frug" and "Pictures of Success."

Now, if I have to put on my "Tony's Sentimental Journey" hat, sometimes you worry if a reunion will live up to the memory. But from what I've gathered, Rilo Kiley came back better, more present, and more connected. It wasn't about over-the-top theatrics; it was about the raw emotion and the connection they shared with the audience. Some folks who'd never seen them before were blown away, and the veteran fans felt like it was a gift.

Overall, Rilo Kiley at Red Rocks on that Tuesday night in May 2025 was a truly magical and emotionally charged experience. It was a testament to the enduring power of their music and the special bond they have with their fans, all amplified by the unique grandeur of Red Rocks. Tony Price, signing off – feeling like I just time-traveled back to my early twenties, but in a good way!