Brandi Carlile Brings The Human Tour to Red Rocks for Three Nights

Brandi Carlile - Red Rocks Amphitheatre | Morrison, Colorado | September 13th, 2026 - photos by Backstage Flash/p>

Brandi Carlile and her amazing band brought The Human Tour to Red Rocks for three consecutive nights! The tour’s name comes from the song “Human” on Carlile’s latest full-length album, Returning to Myself. The record serves as her eighth studio album and her first solo project in four years. This 10-song album has a bit of a stylistic twist that spans Americana, pop and synth-rock. Collaborations on the album include co-writes with producers Andrew Watt and Aaron Dessner, as well as Elton John and his longtime writing partner, Bernie Taupin, on the track “You Without Me.”

Another among the many standout tracks on this album is “Joni,” a sentimental and candid tribute to Joni Mitchell, who has been a prolific influence on Carlile, both musically and personally. Many of these songs and the inspiration behind them come from Carlile’s reflections on her life and a deep creative shift. Songs from this latest collection, as well as many others spanning her musical journey, were played over the last three nights, with the setlists changing each night.

Carlile has an uncanny ability to make an expansive venue like Red Rocks feel like a front porch gathering. She just has that vibe about her that is welcoming, compassionate and tasteful. Blending pure rock ’n’ roll rawness with intimate acoustic guitar foundations and emotive lyrics is definitely at the center of her wheelhouse. From stadium-style anthems to soft, emotional ballads, she had the audience in a place of blissful euphoria. The performance spanned multiple musical genres, styles and tempos. There were beautiful three-part a cappella harmonies that would make CSN blush with excitement.

The band behind the songstress was unstoppable in its delivery and energy. Longtime bandmates, co-writers, musical arrangers and twin brothers Phil and Tim Hanseroth on bass and electric guitars were ever-present onstage. The brothers brought a lot of energy and expert musicianship to the party, as well as mile-high smiles. The magical night, blanketed by stars and surrounded by the massive red monoliths that felt like protectors of everyone under their shadows, was an all-out sensory stimulation of peace, love and understanding.

Keeping it in the family and adding another sibling element to the band were the divine musical imaginations of Monique Ross on cello and backing vocals and her sister, Chauntee Ross, on violin and backing vocals. The sisters were musically masterful in delivering beautifully constructed string arrangements that added foundational, experimental and melodic attributes to the band’s overall sound. You could visibly tell they were having so much fun playing and enjoying the scene and sea of people before them. The onstage synchronicity seemed to go way beyond the performance. All of the band members had great stage presence, both professionally and personally.

The rhythm section from the heavens was composed of Matt Chamberlain on percussion, adding all kinds of stylistic flavors to the percussive anchor, and Chad Smith holding down the main drum kit. These two explosive musicians built a solid foundation of percussive power that was connected to the ever-persistent grooves of the bass. The low-end backdrop of the band was super strong and precise, setting solid footing for the guitars and keyboards to explode from. Dave Mackay did a great job keeping the melodies flowing with his cascading fingerwork on the keyboards.

The audience sang along, shed tears and had the best live music experience of their lives. I spoke with people from other states, of all ages and races. They were thrilled to be at Red Rocks listening to their favorite artist. The vibes were high, and the band was feeding the audience a night that won’t soon be forgotten by any of them. Carlile and her band understand exactly what they are doing, and they are doing it with so much love, charisma and musical creativity that it actually makes your head spin. You could not ask for more from a group of musicians. They walked onstage with an attitude of, “Oh yeah, we are going to blow this audience away,” and that is exactly what they did. There were some special surprises during the set, including a duet of “I Belong to You” between Brandi and her wife, Catherine, and a special appearance and duet by Colorado’s own Nathaniel Rateliff, joining Brandi on the Bee Gees classic “Islands in the Stream.” The song was most notably recorded by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers in 1983. The final song of the night was a stunning version of “Rocky Mountain High” by John Denver.

All of the miles the band travels and the smiles it expresses onstage every night are something to behold. The songs were beautifully presented with the intention of bringing people together through music. The band was exceptional, and its musicianship was world-class. As for Brandi Carlile, her warmth and human spirit felt like coming home to a house full of family. Her raw rock pureness and sweet emotion through her words were creative and moving, to put it mildly. What a fantastic run of shows at the most majestic music venue in the country.

Thanks to Brandi and her band. Thanks to the many people behind the scenes for creating a great rock show. Thanks to Red Rocks for hosting, and thanks to the fans.