As Deadrocks enters its 12th year, Zeds Dead reflects on the community, creativity, and legacy behind their signature Colorado takeover.

Seventeen years after uploading one of their first songs to the internet, Zeds Dead is preparing for what feels like both a celebration and a turning point.
The duo recently announced Journey of a Lifetime, their largest tour to date, alongside plans to step away for much of 2027 after nearly two decades of relentless touring, producing, and world-building. Before that pause arrives, however, there is one tradition that remains firmly at the center of their universe: Deadrocks.
What began as a headline performance at Red Rocks Amphitheatre has grown into one of electronic music’s most beloved annual traditions. Now entering its twelfth year, Deadrocks has become far more than a concert series. For thousands of fans, it serves as a yearly pilgrimage to Colorado, a gathering point for a community that has grown alongside Zeds Dead for nearly two decades.

This summer’s celebration extends well beyond Red Rocks itself. Following Deadrocks XII on July 2 and 3, fans will reconvene for the annual Backyard Jamboree on July 4 at Auraria Campus. Equal parts block party and family reunion, the event trades the spectacle of Red Rocks for a more relaxed atmosphere built around food, games, community, and performances from the extended Deadbeats family.
The festivities will then continue into the evening with Deadrocks Hangover at Mission Ballroom, completing a three-day Denver takeover that has become one of the most anticipated weekends on the electronic music calendar.
We caught up with Zeds Dead ahead of Deadrocks XII, Backyard Jamboree, and Deadrocks Hangover to talk about the evolution of the event, Colorado’s influence, and what keeps the experience feeling fresh after all these years. Check out our conversation below!

Deadrocks has grown from a headline show into something that feels like a yearly pilgrimage for your fans. When you look at it now in its twelfth year, what do you feel it’s become beyond just a two-night run at Red Rocks?
For us, it’s become sort of the reset for each year. We make basically a new album’s worth of material for it, and then that sorta provides ammo for the year of shows that follow. We want to make sure each year is special in its own way and completely different from any other year.

There’s something unique about how deeply tied your project is to Denver and Colorado specifically. What is it about this place and this crowd that made it feel like the natural home for something like Deadrocks?
If I had to guess, I’d say it’s the mix of classic rock and bass. Denver loves their bass. Also, we’re stoners at heart, even though we don’t smoke that much anymore. I think our music is always grounded in that vibe.

Every year, fans show up before a lineup is even announced, which is pretty rare at this scale. How intentional has it been to build Deadrocks as an experience-first event rather than something driven by names on a bill?
It wasn’t a goal at first, but it’s definitely something we love about it. It’s allowed us to really curate without worrying what will sell more tickets. It’s all about creating a great experience.

Your 2025 album Return to the Spectrum of Intergalactic Happiness introduced a really expansive, cinematic world. How does that project continue to translate into the live environment for Deadrocks XII?
It’s sort of the other way around, actually. The show and all the visuals, remixes, and channel flipping things are the world and the album exists in that world. It’s a fun world to dive into, and there’s more to come!

The Backyard Jamboree has become just as essential to the weekend as the Red Rocks shows, but for completely different reasons. What does that day represent for you creatively and culturally compared to the Deadrocks sets?
It’s more of just a party. Deadrocks maybe leans a little more into the artistic domain, Jamboree is just djing.

Between the BBQ, games, label family sets, and overall atmosphere, the Jamboree feels more like a community gathering than a traditional event. How important has it been for you to create spaces where fans can connect outside of the main stage experience?
We love any opportunity to create space for people to connect. Whether it be through music, food or anything really.

As Deadrocks continues to evolve, what feels most important to protect about it, and what still feels open to change?
I think we’d like to protect a no holds barred creative atmosphere where you’re not sure what to expect sonically and visually. Outside of that, the sky is the limit!