Utah Concert Review

August 12, 2026August 14, 2026

UCR Interview: Josh Lovelace of NEEDTOBREATHE

UCR Interview • Josh Lovelace of NEEDTOBREATHE • August 14, 2026

GRAMMY-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE is set to play Sandy Amphitheater on August 15. The band recently released their powerful new album, The Long Surrender.

Known for fan favorites including “Brother” (feat. Gavin DeGraw), “Who Am I,” my personal favorite, “The State I’m In,” and many more, NEEDTOBREATHE continues to blend rock, Americana, Soul, and Gospel into songs that resonate through themes of hope, resilience, and redemption. Their electrifying live performances have built a passionate global following and continue to sell out venues across the country.

Utah Concert Review had the opportunity to visit with keyboard player and backing vocalist Josh Lovelace as the band was gearing up to begin the tour. Lovelace talks about the new album, the tour, his origins with the band, how people interpret NEEDTOBREATHE’s music, and more. Enjoy!

Interviewed by Kevin Rolfe

August 10, 2026August 11, 2026

Motionless in White

Motionless in White • Lorna Shore • Fit For a King • Static Dress • August 7, 2026 • America First Field

Reviewed and Photographed by Colton Kresser

I went to my first concert back in 2007, and I’ve been attending shows ever since, which is almost twenty years of experience and many, many shows under my belt. Motionless in White with support from Lorna Shore, Fit for A King, and Static Dress at the America First Field has been added to my list of “Most Memorable”. Some of those reasons are obvious while others will defy expectation.

August 7, 2026August 13, 2026

Stray Cats

Stray Cats • August 4, 2026 • Sandy Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

The Stray Cats brought their U.S. Tour to Sandy Amphitheater recently. And it was one of those shows where you couldn’t help but simply feel grateful to be there. That it was happening at all. In recent years, there had been some canceled Stray Cats tours, and Brian Setzer Orchestra concerts were put on hold due to an autoimmune condition with Setzer. He was unable to play the guitar, let alone hold a pencil. Understandably, there was some fear that we might never see these Rockabilly legends together in concert again. Well, the Stray Cats are back on tour, and from my point of view, there was no issue with Brian’s playing. He worked hard to get it back, and it’s to the benefit of those who get to see him play those beautiful Gretsch guitars every night.

August 6, 2026August 10, 2026

Interpol

Interpol • Youth Lagoon • August 4, 2026 • Red Butte Garden

Reviewed and Photographed by Morgan Newbold

Tuesday evening, Interpol came to Salt Lake City to perform a sold-out show at Red Butte Amphitheatre for its annual summer concert series! The last time they were here in 2024, they played at Kilby Block Party! I was incredibly grateful to have witnessed that performance and was ecstatic to see them again! I kept my fingers crossed for more of my favorite songs to be on the setlist.

August 4, 2026August 10, 2026

Howard Jones

Things Can Only Get Better Tour • Howard Jones • Wang Chung • The English Beat • Modern English • July 29, 2026 • Maverik Center

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

There are a lot of retro packaged concerts going around these days. Some are better than others. With the lineup on the Howard Jones, Things Can Only Get Better Tour, this one lands on the better side, as in one of the best. The Things Can Only Get Better Tour, led by Howard, also includes Wang Chung, The English Beat and Modern English. From the get-go, this was a night packed with nostalgia and great music.

August 3, 2026August 8, 2026

Of Monsters and Men

Ogden Twilight • Of Monsters and Men • July 30, 2026 • Ogden Amphitheater

Reviewed and Photographed by Morgan Newbold

Last Thursday, Icelandic alternative folk band Of Monsters and Men was welcomed back to Utah for their sold-out show at the Ogden Twilight concert series! It was their 5th time playing in Utah, and everyone was very stoked to have them back! It was my first time seeing them, so I was beyond excited to check them off my list, as I, and most likely many who were in attendance, have been listening to them for over a decade. I knew hearing some of my favorite songs live was going to be a surreal experience. I pulled up right before the show started, and it was PACKED! Every bench in the bleachers and every spot on the lawn was full with eager fans, repping the band’s merch, beers in hand! It was an incredibly hot evening in Ogden, but that didn’t kill the mood of the night whatsoever!

August 2, 2026August 7, 2026

Young the Giant

Young the Giant • Cold War Kids • Little Image • July 30, 2026 • The Lot at The Complex

Reviewed and Photographed by Ava Dalton

Young the Giant brought their Victory Garden Tour to The Lot at The Complex. They invited special guests and headliners in their own right, Cold War Kids. little image joined and opened things up. It was a deeply talented roster that brought a highly anticipated tour to downtown Salt Lake City.

July 31, 2026August 12, 2026

Maren Morris

Maren Morris • Scout Willis • July 20, 2026 • Red Butte Garden

Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe

Photographed by Anna Lee

Red Butte Garden was the perfect setting for an evening with Maren Morris. The singer-songwriter brought her blend of country, pop, and rock to Salt Lake City. This show followed what, by all accounts, was a memorable night in Colorado at Red Rocks Amphitheater with the Colorado Symphony. She was joined by fellow Highwomen, Brandi Carlile and Amanda Shires for some songs, and from videos I’ve seen and articles I read, it was one of those performances to remember. I was concerned that after a show like that, this show at our beautiful Red Butte Garden might be a letdown. If there was a letdown for Morris or her band, we couldn’t tell. It was a really fun night.

July 31, 2026August 5, 2026

Jimmy Eat World

There are anniversary tours, and then there are anniversary tours that remind everyone exactly why an album became a classic in the first place. Jimmy Eat World’s two night residencey at Sandy Amphitheater was firmly in the latter category. Celebrating 25 years of Bleed American, the band treated Utah fans to performances that balanced nostalgia with the kind of energy and musicianship that proves they haven’t lost a step.

We went to night two of the band’s Utah stop. If there was any sign of fatigue after the previous evening’s show, it was not apparent. Everyone on stage seemed fired up to bring this show to a new crowd. Jim Adkins and company looked completely at home from the moment they walked out, greeted by an enthusiastic crowd that was more than ready to celebrate one of alternative rock’s most beloved albums.

July 30, 2026August 6, 2026

Evanescence

Evanescence • July 25, 2026 • Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe

Evanescence brought a powerful mix of emotion, intensity, and musicianship to Utah First Credit Union Amphitheatre, delivering a performance that reminded fans why the band continues to stand among rock’s most enduring acts. I don’t say this lightly. It feels like they’re better live now than they’ve ever been. We’ve had the chance to see them multiple times, and this show stood out. Balancing beloved classics with a healthy selection of newer material, the evening showcased a group that isn’t content to simply relive the past. Instead, Evanescence embraced every era of its catalog, creating a show that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly current.