Dustin Lynch Celebrates Milestone Moments at Stunning Red Rocks Show
Dustin Lynch performed for the first time at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colo., on April 16, and he spoke exclusively ahead of the show.
In addition to discussing the significance of the show, the country star shared insights about his Las Vegas residency, which inspired his upcoming new music and dance album.
Lynch also revealed his plans for celebrating his upcoming 40th birthday on May 14.
Four hits into his show at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre on April 16, Dustin Lynch decided to change the pace with a cover of an Incubus song.
Before launching into their 1999 hit “Drive,” the 39-year-old country star introduced his former bandmates from his very first band, stating, “We’re going to play a song by the band that inspired us to pick up instruments and write our own music to look cool in high school. It’s an honor to play this here.”
Backstage before the concert, Lynch mentioned that he and his former bandmates would often watch the recording of Incubus’ 2004 Red Rocks show, Alive at Red Rocks, during their college years.
“We went our separate ways when we graduated high school, but when we’d get back together in college, we always watched that DVD,” he shared. “Ever since we started the band, and ever since I’ve been on stage, I’ve wanted to perform at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and today’s the day. It’s truly special to share this experience and night with the guys. This is our first big show of 2025, and I can’t think of a bigger, better way to kick off our year.”
A portion of the ticket proceeds from the concert went to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation (WFF), making the event even more meaningful for Lynch.
“As a young kid, I remember reading a book about hot spotters, and I was obsessed with it,” he recalled. “I don’t remember the exact title, but I thought, ‘I want to be one of those guys who parachutes in to fight fires.’ I remember burning leaves in my yard and pretending I was a firefighter. I guess you could say I was a little pyromaniac.”
Among the audience were Lynch’s parents, to whom he dedicated a cover of Bill Withers’ 1977 song “Lovely Day.” Earlier in the night, he honored his grandparents, whose love story inspired his debut track “Cowboys and Angels” in 2012.
“It’s one of our most listened-to songs each year,” he noted. “Just yesterday, two different couples approached me to say it would be their wedding song. It started out as a gift for my grandparents and their love story. They celebrated 70 years of marriage this past Saturday, April 12. Knowing that their song will be part of someone else’s special day is wonderful.”
The Red Rocks performance was long-awaited for Lynch, who had to postpone the event from its original November date due to heavy snow.
“We hated moving it, but I’m glad we did,” he remarked. “Safety was the main concern. We ultimately made the right decision; there was a foot-and-a-half of snow on the ground, making it unfeasible. However, I’m now in tour shape, and with this being my first show back at this altitude, I’ll have to really work to catch my breath, but I’ll give it everything I’ve got.”
Recently, Lynch has focused mainly on recording in the studio, crafting new music.
“I’m having the most fun I’ve ever had creating music,” he said. “We’ve recorded several country songs, and we’re putting the final touches on what will be my next country single. Additionally, I’ve been writing and recording a bunch of collaborations for a new project that’s more aligned with our DJ-ing club set. It’s exciting to explore a different genre while still collaborating with my country music companions and merging it with dance music. What we’re creating is likely more lyrically driven than what is typically found in dance music, but it maintains that tempo and beat.”
Lynch was largely inspired by his recent experiences in Las Vegas. In February, he became the first country artist to launch a residency at the Wynn, introducing his Daytime Pool Situation at Encore Beach Club and a Club Set at XS Nightclub, with dates scheduled through August.
“What I enjoy about these shows is the ability to change things up at a moment’s notice and energize the crowd as we see fit,” he stated. “I think we’re kind of the test subjects as the first country act in these nightclubs, but it has grown organically for us.”
Lynch’s forthcoming music will follow his latest album, 2023’s Killed the Cowboy, which delved into the tension between longing to settle down while also pursuing new dreams. “Now that more new music is coming, I’ve put settling down on hold,” Lynch laughed.
“There’s so much more to achieve now,” he acknowledged. “I’m busier than ever. I have another brand of music that’s starting to carve its own identity and reach out to new audiences. I’m content with my current situation, just embracing what life has to offer. It’s important to notice the signs from the universe and recognize when it’s guiding you in a certain direction.”
Despite being single and feeling the pressure of “the clock ticking,” Lynch is confident he is on the right path.
“Through the journey of Killed the Cowboy, I realized I need to focus on what I want, and that’s perfectly fine,” he expressed. “As long as I’m happy, continue to pursue my dreams, and ensure I’m enjoying the journey, I’m in a good place. I can also live vicariously through my friends who are further along in their family-building journeys. I enjoy being an uncle and a godfather to what feels like a thousand kids. It’s amusing to tour and have their kiddos come out and hang out with me; they call me Uncle D, and I find a lot of fulfillment in that.”
For his upcoming 40th birthday on May 14, Lynch plans to take a small group of friends to the Florida Keys for some fishing.
“I’ve been incredibly focused on music for the last three months, and when May arrives, I’ll be ready for a breather,” he shared. “It’ll be a nice break before I need to finalize the dance record.”
As he approaches a new decade, Lynch has well-defined goals: “Keep having fun, continue to improve at enjoying life, and make the most of my remaining time here.”
“That’s really all there is to it,” he added. “In the past ten years, I’ve definitely improved in this area. Early on, it felt like a grind and a continuous climb, but I’m comfortable with where I am now. I’m embracing the fun and seizing the opportunities that come my way.”
