Deadrocks XI night one: Zeds Dead and friends turn Red Rocks into a bass cathedral

Written and Photographed by

Zack Hartman

Red Rocks shows always hit a little bit different, especially when the sun is blazing. On July 2, the opening night of Deadrocks XI turned the iconic Colorado venue into a cathedral of sound.

Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zero hyping up the Red Rocks crowd with a heavy set at Deadrocks XI
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One

The night unfolded like a perfectly engineered descent into madness. It started with SHOSH, who set the tone early with an energetic blend of garage that slapped harder than most openers dream to. Early crowd or not, she showed up like the night depended on it.

OkayJake followed, dropping a clean, focused set that balanced energy with atmosphere. His selections felt intentional – the kind of pacing that says “just wait for it,” and then follows through with full force.

When Zero hit the decks, things took a turn. His set was dirty in the best possible way: bass heavy, swaggering, built to shake your spine. He didn’t shift the vibe; he brought some intensity that got everyone up and moving. People who were on their phones were suddenly locked in, and you could feel the anticipation building.

Zero hyping up the Red Rocks crowd with a heavy set at Deadrocks XI
Zero hyping up the Red Rocks crowd with a heavy set at Deadrocks XI
Zero hyping up the Red Rocks crowd with a heavy set at Deadrocks XI
Zero hyping up the Red Rocks crowd with a heavy set at Deadrocks XI
Zero hyping up the Red Rocks crowd with a heavy set at Deadrocks XI
Zero hyping up the Red Rocks crowd with a heavy set at Deadrocks XI

Taiki Nulight came in next like a tactician. His style walked the line between groove and grime, a slick, calculated sound that rewarded the heads and got the dancers moving. His set was tight, deliberate, and showed the kind of confidence that doesn’t need to shout to be heard. It was obvious for everyone to see that Taiku was in his element and came to play.

Taiki Nulight dropping bass-heavy beats at Deadrocks XI Red Rocks show
Taiki Nulight dropping bass-heavy beats at Deadrocks XI Red Rocks show
Taiki Nulight dropping bass-heavy beats at Deadrocks XI Red Rocks show
Taiki Nulight dropping bass-heavy beats at Deadrocks XI Red Rocks show
Taiki Nulight dropping bass-heavy beats at Deadrocks XI Red Rocks show

Then came Rudimental, and they blew the place wide open. Their mix of drum and bass with live-feeling emotional weight elevated the whole experience. It’s not often that you can feel euphoria and heartbreak in the same drop, but they pulled it off.

Rudimental on stage at Red Rocks bringing high energy to Deadrocks XI
Rudimental on stage at Red Rocks bringing high energy to Deadrocks XI
Rudimental on stage at Red Rocks bringing high energy to Deadrocks XI
Rudimental on stage at Red Rocks bringing high energy to Deadrocks XI
Rudimental on stage at Red Rocks bringing high energy to Deadrocks XI
Rudimental on stage at Red Rocks bringing high energy to Deadrocks XI

And finally, Zeds Dead – the main event. They didn’t ease into it; they jumped in with both feet. Their set was cinematic in scale and felt tailor-made for Red Rocks. Towering drops, soulful transitions, and enough bass to reset your heartbeat. There’s something about watching them control a crowd that massive, under stars and stage lights, that sticks with you well after the night comes to a close.

Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One
Zeds Dead performing live at Red Rocks during Deadrocks XI Night One

Night one of Deadrocks XI didn’t waste time. It set a tone: bold, heavy, and unforgettable. If you missed it, you didn’t just miss a night of music – you missed a full body, soul-rattling experience.

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