DISPATCH • John Butler • August 5, 2025 • Red Butte Garden Amphitheater
Reviewed and Photographed by Kevin Rolfe
When Dispatch takes the stage, it’s never just another concert—it’s an experience rooted in camaraderie, storytelling, and the kind of communal spirit that has defined their career for more than two decades. The Boston-born indie/roots band, long hailed as one of the most successful independent acts in history, has always carried a special ability to turn a performance into a shared moment of humanity. Their concert on August 5 at Red Butte Garden Amphitheater was no exception. Blending their eclectic mix of folk, rock, reggae, and jam-band improvisation, Dispatch reminded fans why their music continues to resonate across generations.
John Butler
Dispatch was joined by an eclectic lineup. Artists, including Donovan Frankenreiter and G. Love & Special Sauce, got the crowd ready with their entertaining sets. John Butler went on right before Dispatch. The way he performed and engaged with the audience, you would have thought he was the headliner. After each song, the audience would roar their approval.
The clear highlight of the set was when Butler performed his iconic guitar instrumental, “Ocean.” The piece is over ten minutes long. John Butler was on the stage alone with his acoustic, and there was not a sound to be heard from the audience. The focus on what John is doing during this piece was stunning. There’s no lull throughout the whole instrumental. It’s a breathtaking performance that drew one of the largest ovations of the evening.
DISPATCH
Before diving into the details of the show itself, it’s worth considering Dispatch’s legacy. The band emerged in the mid-1990s with an unassuming but infectious sound, quickly gaining traction through grassroots word of mouth rather than traditional industry machinery. Their 2004 farewell show in Boston famously drew over 100,000 fans—proof of the bond they had cultivated without major label backing. While the band has weathered lineup changes and hiatuses, their commitment to authenticity and connection remains unwavering.
Walking into the venue, you could feel that legacy hanging in the air. This wasn’t just another night of live music—it was a gathering of longtime fans who had grown up with the band’s songs, mixed with a younger crowd discovering their catalog for the first time. That intergenerational mix added to the sense of community that Dispatch has always fostered.
As the lights dimmed and the first chords rang out, the crowd erupted with the kind of enthusiasm that feels earned, not forced. Dispatch opened with “Ohio,” a Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young cover that still feels quintessentially Dispatch: jangly acoustic guitar layered with driving rhythms and sing-along harmonies. Immediately, the audience was engaged, swaying and shouting lyrics as though the room itself were one giant chorus.
One of the defining features of Dispatch’s sound is their vocal interplay. Chadwick Stokes, Brad Corrigan, and Matt Embree shared singing duties, weaving harmonies that elevate their songs beyond simple acoustic rock. On stage, that dynamic shone even brighter.
During the concert, each member took turns stepping into the spotlight, but the magic came when their voices blended together. Tracks like “Whisk Me Away” and “Bang Bang” demonstrated the band’s ability to craft melodies that feel both intimate and expansive. It’s this vocal chemistry, paired with their instrumental versatility, that gives Dispatch their unique identity in the crowded world of indie music.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of the night was the genuine connection between band and audience. Dispatch concerts often feel less like performances and more like gatherings of friends. The band spoke candidly between songs, sharing stories about their travels, their causes, and the inspirations behind their music.
The crowd, for their part, responded with equal warmth. Hands waved, voices soared, and the atmosphere carried a sense of joy that went beyond simple entertainment. It was a reminder of music’s ability to unite people, even if just for a night.
One of the surprise highlights of the evening was the band’s tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, who recently passed away. Brad Corrigan said, “The Prince of Darkness spoke a lot of light about the power of love and erasing hate. This song is “War Pigs.” It was an awesome cover. I did not expect it, but it was timely and well-received by the crowd.
As the night drew to a close, Dispatch returned to the stage for an encore that perfectly encapsulated their ethos. They played a rousing rendition of their 1996 song “Elias.” The multiple percussion instruments got the audience moving. Red Butte broke out into what felt like a big party. The garden erupted in harmonies, voices layered over one another in a way that felt almost spiritual. People were moving and just totally letting go. They gave in to the moment. It was a powerful moment of what music can do for the soul.
Dispatch brought the night to a close, choosing to cover Bob Dylan’s “Like A Rolling Stone” as their final number. They welcomed John Butler, Donovan Frankenreiter, and G. Love & Special Sauce back to the stage for the high-energy jam that left the crowd buzzing long after the lights came up. Fans lingered, reluctant to let the night end, basking in the afterglow of a concert that felt less like a show and more like a shared journey.
Dispatch’s concert was a reminder of what makes live music special. It wasn’t about pyrotechnics or flashy production—it was about connection, honesty, and the enduring power of song. Few bands can make a room of thousands feel like a living room or backyard gathering, but Dispatch does it effortlessly.
Their music—part folk storytelling, part jam-band improvisation, part social consciousness—carries an enduring relevance. At a time when the world often feels divided, a Dispatch concert becomes a rare space of unity. For longtime fans, it was a reaffirmation of why they fell in love with the band in the first place. For newcomers, it was an introduction to a group whose impact far exceeds their years on the stage.
In the end, Dispatch didn’t just perform—they built a community for a night. And in that community, everyone walked away humming melodies, carrying lyrics in their hearts, and feeling just a little more connected to something larger than themselves.