Nero @ Ogden Theatre

A cool autumn evening doesn’t often bring peace and comfort to the typical chaos of Colfax, and on November 14th, that statement stayed true.

Ryan Rossi

Opening for the legendary EDM duo Nero, local DJ and Ogden Theatre stage manager RyanRossi performs a killer UKG and house set going back to back with his friend Benjë. With some classic tracks spinning and an overall exciting playlist, the duo spins for a warming crowd, raising the temperature quite perfectly for the evening of bass and hats ahead. Though silent for the majority of the set, his stage presence was welcoming; preferring to let the tunes do the talking.

Pocket

After an upbeat and tone setting performance from a local DJ, Nero’s lineup shifted slightly to an expeditious performer named ‘Pocket.’ Based out of Edinburgh, Scotland, pocket played a set that was controversial. Pocket often had a difficult time letting tracks play through and keeping a general tone for the evening, the warmth of the crowd was cooling down. Rinsing some burning UKG and house, he would often spin the track back after the drop, which typically is a compliment and gives a nod to the saying “If it’s nice, play it twice.”

This is an orthodox way to have engagement in the audience, a crowd favorite, but it’s important to not do it too much. Unfortunately, Pocket seemed to rely on that method, and patrons often found it difficult to stay in the flow of the show. I heard multiple times from people that they wanted him to just play the track through. There were even times when Pocket blamed the CDJ’s over the microphone. Despite the work that RyanRossi was able to bring to the dance floor, Pocket wasn’t able to keep the fire burning.

Overall, an interesting lineup choice for the legendary Nero, an artist that’s typically known for their nostalgic drum and bass, powerful old school brostep, and mid-tempo beats, house and UKG seemed like an alien decision to have play under them.

Nero

Nero opened their set with swagger, reminiscent of Justice, stepping on stage in all black. Dan Stephens dazzled in a sparkly coat that shimmered under the minimal, intentional lighting, while Joe Ray exuded mystery with his baseball cap, long sleeves, and sunglasses. The duo’s confidence was palpable as they unleashed drum and bass beats that immediately had the 1,100-strong crowd moving.

Nostalgia was the heart of their performance, and Nero tapped into it masterfully. They delivered fan-favorite classics like Promises, with the audience singing along passionately, reliving memories tied to the music. The vibe shifted as they dropped the Promises remix by Skrillex, escalating the energy into chaotic euphoria. This set the stage for Doomsday, an iconic track that resonated with those who grew up with Nero’s sound.

Rather than blending songs creatively, Nero let their tracks play out in full. While unconventional, this decision felt like a tribute to their original fans, honoring the impact of their timeless hits.

The lighting design was a standout, elevating the performance with precise choreography. The stark black-and-white palette intensified key moments, only to explode into vivid reds and blues that made the music hit harder. The setlist balanced beloved classics with fresh tracks from their new album, offering something for everyone.

Nero’s performance was a celebration of an era and a reminder of why they’ve remained iconic. Their respect for the audience and dedication to their craft shone through, making the show a truly unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss the chance to see Nero live!