Photo credit: Lupe Bustos

“Well, this is a dream come true,” Andrew McMahon said, choking back emotion as the initial notes of “Holiday From Real” rang out, drawing deafening cheers from the audience. Hearing those words live, re-experiencing them through playback of the live stream, and even writing them here evoke a similar emotional response. McMahon has played such a huge role in my life over the last 23 years and feels a bit like family at this point, so I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of pride and happiness for him as I watched him achieve a milestone he’d dreamt of since he was young. On July 23, 2025, Andrew McMahon brought “Three Pianos: A Concert” to Red Rocks Amphitheater in Morrison, Colorado, an event that would feature performances from all three of McMahon’s projects: Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. On this evening, McMahon would not only headline the biggest show of his career, but he would also become the first artist in the history of Red Rocks to star as opening act, direct support, and headliner all in one night. The event was a dream come true— not just for for McMahon and his bandmates, but also for the fans who traveled from all over the world to experience a night of magic in one of the Earth’s most magical venues. 

I first discovered Something Corporate at a listening station inside the Virgin Megastore in Caesar’s Palace during a trip to Vegas with my mom to see 98 Degrees back in 2002. I begged her to buy me Leaving Through the Window, and from that moment, a whole new musical world opened up to me. Something Corporate became the soundtrack to my teenage years; “Punk Rock Princess” was on repeat, “SoCo” was scrawled across my textbook jackets, and late-night drives with friends were fueled by North. I was devastated when my one chance to see them live was ruined by a massive storm, and I’ve spent my adulthood making up for lost time—seeing Andrew McMahon and his projects live upwards of 100 times (no, that’s not an exaggeration). Jack’s Mannequin got me through college and graduate school (“just keep your head above” became a personal mantra), and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness has taken me across the country, connecting me with some of my closest friends—people I never would have met otherwise. That first listen in the Virgin Megastore didn’t just introduce me to a band; it sparked a passion for music and eventually concert photography that has shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined.

When it was first announced that Andrew McMahon would bring all of his projects together for one massive event at Red Rocks, there was no question—I didn’t just want to go, I had to be there. The chance to see my favorite bands share one stage at the venue that had sat atop my bucket list for years was too good to pass up. That excitement was shared by thousands; tickets sold out within ten minutes of going on sale. Against the odds, I was fortunate enough to secure a front-row seat (thank you Camp Wilderness!). The countdown to the show officially began, and thankfully, we were lucky enough to have a Jack’s Mannequin tour celebrating 20 years of the band and Everything In Transit in the meantime, keeping the excitement alive and giving us a taste of the magic that was to come.

When the week finally arrived, it wasn’t just a one-night experience—it was preceded by a series of “Prelude to the Pianos” gatherings that set the stage for the main show. Fans had plenty of chances to connect and celebrate, including several Dear Jack events benefiting Andrew’s nonprofit which supports young adults with cancer. Highlights included a casual hangout at a Rockies game where Josh from Something Corporate made an appearance, and a pre-show party at the Skylark Lounge that offered the opportunity to shop event specific merch ahead of the show. Band members mingled freely at these events, with Clutch dropping by the Skylark Lounge to spend time with fans. On the day of the concert, Dear Jack hosted a picnic at the Red Rocks Trading Post, creating yet another opportunity for the community to come together, learn how Dear Jack is supporting young adults with cancer, and share in the excitement leading up to the monumental night. At this event, attendees enjoyed food and beverage while writing letters with love and learning about Dear Jack’s mission. It was also at this event that we learned United airlines would be matching up to 25,000 dollars in donations made that evening. Each of the events had a family reunion type feel, with friends from all over the world reuniting, sharing stories, laughter, and a deep bond forged through years of Andrew McMahon’s music and the memories it has created.

Mother Nature tried to throw a wrench in our plans, threatening thunderstorms all night, and even “sending a little rain our way”—just in time for us to line up—an ironic nod to Jack’s Mannequin’s “Kill the Messenger.” Thankfully, the downpour was short-lived, and the skies soon cleared up, gifting us with beautiful weather for the night ahead. We were ready to soak in every moment under the open air at Red Rocks. While waiting for the show to begin, Tiffany, a Dear Jack representative, and Cecilia, Andrew’s daughter, took the stage to present two incredible items that would go to lucky winners who donated to the foundation that night: a drumhead signed by all three bands, and a Gibson Les Paul Standard signed by the bands.

The stage setup was reminiscent of the recent MFEO tour, with LED screens and platforms lining the back; however, this time, the stage featured five screens and platforms instead of three, with the center platform holding two drum kits. Three pianos sat center stage, one from each era of McMahon’s storied career. Smoke bellowed from the stage as a piano—the Jack’s Mannequin piano—appeared on the center screen, lyrics scrawled across the screens on either side, and a monologue played; a love letter of sorts to the piano. The monologue revealed a relationship both tumultuous and redemptive, with the piano’s worn keys bearing witness to fights, flaws, and ultimately, survival. The crowd erupted in cheers as McMahon took the stage, joined by Bobby, Mikey, and Jay, sitting down at the piano that carried him through years on the road with Jack’s Mannequin. The night would begin in the middle of his career with the band that just celebrated a huge milestone: 20 years as a band. The 8-song set would open with “The Resolution” before launching into “Holiday From Real,” which had the entirety of Red Rocks screaming “Fuck yeah, we can live like this!” in unison, middle fingers in the air. McMahon paused for a moment to take it all in, admitting this was “exciting and terrifying and everything all at once,” and needing a moment to ground himself in the beauty of Red Rocks. Longtime friend and bandmate Zac Clark was invited to the stage to join the band for “Spinning” and “Bloodshot,” and Josh Partington of Something Corporate, who was celebrating his birthday during this momentous occasion, joined the band for “Bloodshot” and “The Mixed Tape.” The band closed their set with “Bruised,” McMahon exiting the stage, audience buzzing with anticipation for the next Era. 

Photos courtesy of Chantel Malin via V13 Media

Another piano appeared on screen, his next love letter unfolding. “This was our moment, the two of us, my young family and a new band of old friends criss crossing the continent on a new mission. Could I do it better this time? Could I fight for a dream without losing myself along the way? There were so many questions in those bright uncertain days, but none more pressing than this: Would this fickle world of noise permit another name change, another sound?” The answer to those questions was a resounding yes—words speaking, of course, to McMahon’s most recent and current project, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, a project that would go on to redefine his career and deliver his biggest success yet. The band took the stage, kicking off the set with “Love and Great Buildings,” and continuing with favorites like “High Dive” and  “Maps For The Getaway.” “Canyon Moon” was a necessary choice given the setting, and McMahon took to the crowd during the song, climbing the many steps of the venue without missing a beat. He shared that it has always been a dream to play a huge venue outside in the summer because there is something so magical about it. Josh Partington joined the band for “Little Disaster,” a track from the most recent Wilderness album, Tilt At The Wind No More, and Zac Clark featured on a verse of “Island Radio,” which he co-wrote with McMahon. McMahon jokingly noted that there was “only one song left” for the night, before closing out the Wilderness set dancing beneath a vibrant parachute in the middle of the crowd for “Synesthesia.” 

Photos courtesy of Chantel Malin via V13 Media

McMahon’s final love letter unfolded as an upright piano appeared on screen, unmistakably recognized as the beloved piano from his Something Corporate days. “We met somewhere in Boise in the summer of ’02,” the monologue began, recalling the gift of that upright piano, “my first true weapon.” Covered in stickers from punk bands, it stood as a symbol of youth, rebellion, and the chaotic energy that defined their early years. McMahon’s voice echoed off the Red Rocks monoliths as he painted a vivid picture of the band’s beginnings: raw, uncertain, and fiercely driven by dreams forged on moshpit-lined stages. “Don’t tell the others, but you were always my favorite,” the monologue closed, heartfelt words to kick off the nostalgic set. McMahon took a seat at his upright piano, adorned with stickers, center stage, as his Something Corporate bandmates took the stage, opening with “Cavanaugh Park.” When it came to the lyric, “they loved my friend Adam, but he always got caught, man that kid made fucking up look cool,” McMahon paused to point out that Adam was in attendance, drawing cheers from the crowd. The set flowed through favorites like “I Want To Save You,” “Fall,” and “She Paints Me Blue.” McMahon reminisced on writing “Straw Dog” in high school, noting that he never could have imagined they would be on stage playing the song together 25 years later. When it came time to play “Me and the Moon,” McMahon shared they had intended to play the song as soon as the moon appeared, not knowing when they booked the show that there would not be a visible moon that evening. The set ended with “I Woke Up In A Car” and “Hurricane,” and the band exited to a 15-minute intermission countdown displayed on the screen, leaving fans eager for what was still to come.

Photos courtesy of Chantel Malin via V13 Media

Excited chatter echoed through the venue as fans unpacked their emotions with friends and family, curious about how the rest of the evening would unfold now that each band had taken the stage. As the countdown expired, William Tell and Brian Ireland of Something Corporate stepped onto the stage. Those who attended the Holiday From Real cruise knew exactly what was about to unfold— a highly anticipated reunion of best friends for a “short but serious” stripped down rendition of the “Thong Song”, which Brian jokingly referred to as the most important performance Red Rocks would ever see, followed by a cover of “I Love You Always Forever,” during which Red Rocks turned into a giant sing along. As they finished their performance, attention was drawn to the middle of the venue, where Andrew, Zac, Josh, and Bobby stood atop the B-Stage for an acoustic performance of “The Astronaut” and “Swim,” featuring Zac Clark on accordion. Before “Swim,” Andrew took a moment to recognize that this year marks 20 years cancer free, dedicating the song to anyone going through something, as well as giving a heartfelt dedication to his sister, Katie, who donated the bone marrow that would save McMahon’s life. 

Photos courtesy of Chantel Malin via V13 Media

The remainder of the set felt like one big super jam, with members of all three bands playing together—sometimes swapping out, but more often remaining on stage to perform each other’s songs. They tore through “Dark Blue” and “Punk Rock Princess” before bringing out friend and musician Michigander—donning his red Crocs for Red Rocks—for a performance of “Stars,” which McMahon dedicated to his wife, Kelly. Alternating between pianos depending on the song being performed, they kept the energy high with “I’m Ready” and “Fire Escape.” Midway through “Konstantine,” cheers erupted as a couple got engaged. McMahon stopped to congratulate them before finishing the song and launching into an explosive performance of “If You C Jordan” to close the set. After the band exited, McMahon returned with his daughter, Cecilia, the inspiration behind “Cecilia and the Satellite.” He shared how Denver was the city where the song first became a hit—and how it had made one of his earliest dreams come true, to have a hit song on the radio—before performing it alongside her in front of 9,000 fans who have watched her grow up. The night closed with “La La Lie,” as family and friends from all three bands filled the stage to sing along. McMahon paused to thank the crowd, saying “never in my wildest dreams—actually, in my wildest dreams… thanks for making my wildest dreams come true tonight.” 

Photos courtesy of Chantel Malin via V13 Media

It was the kind of night that could only happen once—a rare convergence of music, history, and friendship that felt as much like a family reunion as it did a concert. For fans who have followed McMahon’s journey for over two decades, getting to witness him share the stage with bandmates from every iteration of his career in a place as breathtaking as Red Rocks was more than nostalgic—it was profoundly moving. As the final notes echoed off the towering monoliths and the stage lights washed over the crowd, it was clear this unforgettable chapter in McMahon’s story would live on in the hearts of the 9,000 lucky enough to witness it—a night that would be remembered long after the last song faded, and one that also raised an incredible $67,384 for the Dear Jack Foundation, supporting young adults with cancer.

It’s not clear if we’ll ever get to experience an event of this caliber again; however, you can still experience the next best thing! Andrew McMahon’s Holiday From Real cruise sets sail February 28, 2026, to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. In addition to Something Corporate, Jack’s Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, this year’s lineup features performances from The Maine, The Starting Line, Michigander, Petey USA, Trousdale, Flor, Annika Bennett, Ivory Layne, and Hunter DeBlanc. Fans who attended the first Holiday From Real cruise can attest that it is the vacation of a lifetime for fans of McMahon and his projects. Reserve your spot on the cruise here.

Catch Jack’s Mannequin as the MFEO tour resumes with an international leg beginning in September, including stops in Japan and Australia, before returning to North America in October. The tour will wrap in Del Mar, CA, on November 23. Tickets can be purchased here.

Donate to the Dear Jack Foundation here.

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