Thursday, April 24th was opening night for Subtronics’ two-day Cyclops Rocks V at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the experience was truly remarkable.
Subtronics, now a Colorado favorite, has sold out Red Rocks nine times, building a devoted Cyclops Army of fans. Given Denver’s reputation as the Bass Capital, it was no surprise to see both locals planning to work early the next morning and fans who had traveled from across the country all eager for another unforgettable set at this iconic venue.
“He’s like the Megatron of EDM,” screamed a fan who has now attended every Cyclops Rocks show since 2021. “I wouldn’t miss him for the world!
Despite the weather being less than ideal — windy and rainy compared to last year’s clear skies — Subtronics and his openers were determined to deliver a memorable night. Fans braved the elements, dressed in their best Cyclops Army outfits, ready for a headbanging battle. The rain, at times, felt almost theatrical, especially when Subtronics played a remix of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” as lasers sliced through the downpour in perfect sync.
The show ran from 6:00 to 11:30 PM, featuring openers Gunpoint, VEIL, SOTA B2B Basstripper, SYZY, and INFEKT. Each artist brought their own creative spin to EDM, matching Subtronics’ passion and dedication. The openers expressed gratitude to the crowd, echoing the night’s theme of PLUR (peace, love, unity, and respect), setting the stage for the main event.
Subtronics took the stage at 10:10 PM with a high-energy DJ set. The opening visuals, including a Mario Kart countdown, signaled the start of a wild ride through Planet Cyclops. In classic Colorado fashion, Subtronics sparked a blunt to kick off his set, adding to the laid-back, celebratory vibe. His performance blended unreleased VIP mixes, unexpected throwbacks, and tracks from his new 2025 album Fibonacci Pt. 1, showcasing some of his best work yet.
A highlight of the night was a surprise guest appearance by Flowdan, a founding member of Roll Deep, who joined Subtronics on stage for live vocals as Subtronics played some of the songs on which he’s featured as a vocalist. The set closed with a special B2B performance with his wife, Level Up, accompanied by rainbow visuals featuring their fur baby dog Ellie, adding a personal touch to the finale.
Visually, this year’s show was simpler but just as striking as years past. The DJ booth and background visuals alternated with close-up shots of the performers and intricate graphic artwork, creating a Boiler Room vibe enhanced by an unforgettable laser show. The sound was powerful and immersive, with relentless bass and elaborate rhythms that kept the crowd moving through the stormy weather.
As chaotic as the world feels lately, Subtronics’ show brought together a community of kindhearted, PLUR-spirited fans for a night of release and pure enjoyment. He ended the night with a Cyclops Rocks family photo, a reminder to get home safely, drink tons of water, and a very Colorado message to “smoke as much weed as humanly possible,” before returning for a well-deserved encore.
Overall, Cyclops Rocks V was a testament to Subtronics’ connection with his fans and his ability to create unforgettable live experiences. Whether you’re a longtime member of the Cyclops Army or a newcomer, this show proved why Subtronics is considered one of the gods, or, like the fan above said, “The Megatron” of EDM in Colorado. For anyone seeking an electrifying night of music and community, I highly recommend making an effort to see a Subtronics show the next time he performs at Red Rocks.
