As Red Rocks Celebrates 85 Great Years – A Look Back at the 4 Biggest Shows Of 1996

It's one of the nation's favorite venues, and one of Colorado's treasures: Red Rocks Amphitheatre. Millions have come from Denver, the Front Range, the Western Slope, and across the nation to see shows there.

Over 30 Acts/Bands Played Red Rocks in 1996

While there were more than a few other events held at Red Rocks in 1996, such as the Easter Service, High School graduation ceremonies, and even President Bill Clinton as part of a Democratic rally, there were 33 music concerts that season.

What Acts Played More Than One Night at Red Rocks in 1996?

When I say, "these are the biggest acts at Red Rocks for 1996," it can make you feel sentimental. You might say, "That Hootie & the Blowfish" show changed my life, or "seeing the Allman Brothers in the summer of '96 at Red Rocks was the biggest show."

This list is about who played more than just one night, however. it seems the best way to classify them as being "the biggest." The list may bring back memories, and it may surprise.

Bush

• BUSH
• 2 Nights: May 4, May 5, 1996.

With Bush's 'Glycerine' being released to U.S. radio in late 1995, the band exploded onto the scene, and then into Red Rocks for back-to-back nights in 1996.

Acoustic show

• HEAL THE EARTH
• 2 Nights: June 7, June 8, 1996.

This one is a surprise. From what I can gather about 'Heal the Earth,' it was a 2-day event of bands, acoustic performers and speakers; about helping the environment,

Blues Traveler

• BLUES TRAVELER
• 2 Nights: July 3, July 4, 1996.

Blues Traveler has made it a point to play Red Rocks every July 4. 1996 would mark the band's fourth time in doing so, having started the tradition in 1992.

PHISH

• PHISH
• 4 Nights: August 4, August 5, August 6, August 7, 1996.

1996 would mark Phish's 13th year, and the 5th year of them doing back-to-back shows, due to their immense popularity. There's no record on if they did not repeat one song over their 4-night gig at Red Rocks in 1996.

There were other notable acts at Red Rocks for their 55th concert season:

Celine Dion's Only Red Rocks Show Was in 1996

It's hard to believe that Celine Dion only played Red Rocks one time, especially when 'My Heart Will Go On" became such a huge hit after the 1997 blockbuster "The Titanic's" monsters success. Her set list did include "Because You Loved Me," which was a huge hit in 1996.

READ MORE: Do You Know About Colorado's Own 'Burning Man' Week?

Alanis Morrissette's "Jagged Little Concert" at Red Rocks

While "Jagged Little Pill" wouldn't be released until October of 1996, the hit single 'You Oughtta know" hit radio in July of 1995; that would be enough for her to be booked to play Red Rocks, and give the crowd a taste of the whole album, on June 5, 1996.