Show reveiw : Oliver Tree at Red Rocks 06.20.23
Oliver Tree, the creative pop music icon and bowl-cut hero took to social media for weeks to tease his upcoming Red Rocks performance, dubbing it as the biggest show in the world. Tree stated that the performance would be a “TV show, Broadway Play, and Concert all in one.” Fans could only speculate on what they were in for with Oliver Tree’s unique creative energy on full display at the historic venue.
The night kicked off with UPSAHL opening the show. UPSAHL hit the stage with energetic and effortless charisma. The pure rock energy of her performance instantly bringing the ampitheaters fans to their feet as they bopped along. UPSAHL killed her short 20 minute set and she is an artist that you will want to check out if you haven’t already.
The show continued with Tai Verdes bringing bright sunshine pop vibes to the stage. A shift from UPSAHL but just as energetic and the crowd just as engaged.
By the time Tai finished his set the entire amphitheater was nearly packed and the anticipation for Tree high. Fans continued to dance and party, only for a brief interruption of 3 kids dressed up as a mini version of the Oliver Tree character “turbo”, exploding for a faux wrestling match in the crowd.
While the stage hands prepped for Tree’s performance fans were greeting to a massive announcement on the LED screen behind the stage of Oliver Tree’s forthcoming album ‘Alone In A Crowd’. (Out Sept 29th) What better place to have an album announcement party than at Red Rocks.
As the stage lights dimmed two dj’s adorned with massive 90’s TVs on their heads arrived on stage. “We are super computer” they stated digitally before cutting into a high energy 15 minute set. Fans were caught off guard but within a few seconds the blasting dance tunes had the whole mountainside bouncing.
The feature presentation arrived as Oliver Tree was carried to center stage on a couch and placed with his back to the crowd. As the anticipation built Tree announced to the crowd that they needed to go home and he only wanted to watch TV. A mix of boos and cheers filled the theater as Tree lifted a giant remote toward the giant screen. “Welcome to the greatest show of all time” a mixed bag of skits featuring Tree kept the crowd enthralled with anticipation of what crazy humorous thing was to come next. What was next was the introduction of Tree’s newest character ‘Cornelius Cummings’, a man with main character syndrome.
The music finally started as the visual show transitioned to the music video of ‘Miss you’ with Tree arising from his seat with gusto and jumping across the stage as the crowd erupted with energy to match. It was clear in these early moments of his performance just how much effort and planning Tree and team had put into this performance.
Fans were then treated to the live premiere of Tree’s newest single ‘Bounce’. Which followed by two more unreleased songs. The energy of Tree and the crowd maintaining electricity for every moment. The first set and costume change of the night arrived with Tree leaving stage to return with his band in cowboy regalia and Tree wheeled in on a cow statue as they began their performance of ‘Cowboys Dont Cry’.
The one screen sketches and music videos as well as costume changes continued through the rest of the performance as Tree performed all his biggest hits. The crowd engagement remained high all night up until the last notes of the closing song ‘Hurt’.
There is no debate about it, Oliver Tree is a showman. Creating an ever evolving persona of characters that are as infectious as his hugely popular songs. Tree has a massive Tik-Tok presence but his creative ideas and brand of humor paired with said ear-worm songs aren’t as appreciated as they should be. HVNLY was lucky enough to catch Oliver Tree’s first headlining US show of the year at Red Rocks and it was a performance that did not disappoint. We truly hope this stage show hits the road because more fans need to experience this unique concert experiance.
