Abby Gordon On May 14, 2025, the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, bore witness to a historic reunion as Rilo Kiley took the stage for the first time since their 2008 hiatus. The evening was a true celebration of indie rock, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Opening the show was Benjamin Gibbard, the beloved frontman of Death Cab for Cutie, who delivered a poignant and engaging solo performance. His set featured a thoughtful mix of songs that highlighted his lyrical prowess and emotional depth, perfectly complementing the nostalgic energy of the evening.
Ben Gibbard
Benjamin Gibbard, born August 11, 1976, in Bremerton, Washington, is a critically acclaimed American musician, singer, and songwriter known for his distinctive voice, introspective lyrics, and deep influence on the indie rock landscape. He is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter for Death Cab for Cutie, a band he co-founded in 1997. Initially started as a solo project, Death Cab quickly evolved into a full band, gaining a devoted following through their emotionally charged songwriting and atmospheric soundscapes. Albums such as Transatlanticism (2003) and Plans (2005) solidified the band’s legacy, with Plans earning a Grammy nomination and helping to bring indie music into the mainstream during the early 2000s.
Gibbard is also widely recognized for his work with The Postal Service, an electronic side project he formed with producer Jimmy Tamborello. Their 2003 debut album, Give Up, became a landmark release in the indie-electronic genre, praised for its innovative blend of synth-pop production and Gibbard’s heartfelt lyricism. Despite releasing only one album, The Postal Service left a lasting imprint on the music world, with songs like “Such Great Heights” achieving iconic status.
In addition to his collaborative work, Gibbard has pursued a number of solo ventures, most notably his debut solo album Former Lives, released in 2012. The album showcases a different side of Gibbard’s songwriting, offering a more personal, stripped-down exploration of themes such as heartbreak, identity, and hope. He has also contributed music to film soundtracks, participated in tribute albums, and performed in various side projects that further highlight his versatility and artistry.
Throughout his multi-decade career, Benjamin Gibbard has remained a vital and influential voice in alternative and indie music, continuing to evolve as an artist while staying true to the introspective spirit that first captured listeners’ hearts. Whether through his work with bands, collaborations, or solo efforts, Gibbard’s impact on modern music remains profound and enduring.
Photos by Abby Gordon. All images © 2025 Copyright Abby Gordon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Rilo Kiley
Rilo Kiley is a beloved indie rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1998 by vocalist Jenny Lewis, guitarist Blake Sennett, bassist Pierre de Reeder, and drummer Jason Boesel. Their early work gained attention through connections to the Saddle Creek Records scene and appearances on television soundtracks like The O.C. and Grey’s Anatomy, which helped them earn a wide audience in the early 2000s. Their unique blend of indie rock, alt-country, and pop sensibilities set them apart from their peers, pairing Lewis’s sharp, emotive vocals with Sennett’s melodic guitar work and introspective songwriting.
Their breakthrough album, The Execution of All Things (2002), released on Saddle Creek, established Rilo Kiley as a force in the indie world. Their 2004 album More Adventurous, released on their own Brute/Beaute label and distributed by Warner Bros., brought them mainstream success. Songs like “Portions for Foxes” and “I Never” became indie anthems, showcasing Lewis’s ability to balance vulnerability with fierce confidence. Their final studio album, Under the Blacklight (2007), took a more polished, pop-influenced direction and was praised for its sonic boldness and lyrical depth.
After quietly disbanding in 2013 and focusing on solo projects, particularly Lewis’s acclaimed solo career, the band’s 2025 reunion is a milestone moment for fans. Their Red Rocks performance was a triumphant return that celebrated their influential discography and emotional legacy. Rilo Kiley remains a cherished name in indie rock, their music continuing to inspire new generations of listeners with its honesty, sophistication, and timeless appeal.
Photos by Abby Gordon. All images © 2025 Copyright Abby Gordon ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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