Imagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons • eaJ • October 11, 2024 • Utah First Amphitheatre

Reviewed and Photographed by Nate Bonney

On October 11th, the Utah First Amphitheatre was treated to night one of three shows by Imagine Dragons. The band is technically from Las Vegas, but we here in Utah know that they wrote many of their early hits and gained a large following here in Utah. More specifically Provo, Utah often performing at Velour Live Music Gallery. From that time on, Utah has been an area that has been most loyal to Imagine Dragons. Hence the multi-show residency.

eaJ

The night opened with a thrilling performance by eaJ, the former lead vocalist and guitarist of the K-pop band Day6, as the opening act for Imagine Dragons. Known for his solo career and distinct musical style, eaJ delivered a dynamic and captivating set that left the audience impressed and buzzing with energy.  

Right from the start, eaJ’s impressive vocal talent shone through, even as he moved energetically across the stage throughout the entire performance. Whether he was jumping, running, or engaging with the crowd, his voice never faltered, maintaining both power and precision. It’s rare to see a performer with such stage presence who can also deliver vocally without missing a beat, and eaJ achieved this effortlessly.  

He played a concise but impactful set that included four of his standout solo tracks: “Voices,” “Traveler,” “Mad,” and the emotional closer, “Right Where I Left You.” Each song highlighted his versatility as both a singer and a performer, moving seamlessly from introspective moments to more upbeat, high-energy sections. His ability to evoke emotions through both his lyrics and delivery captivated the audience, especially during “Mad” and “Right Where I Left You,” which drew some of the biggest cheers.  

A mesmerizing visual component was the astronaut projected on the screen behind eaJ throughout the performance. While the stage lighting remained relatively simple and static, the astronaut provided a captivating backdrop that complemented the mood of his songs. It was easy to get lost in the imagery, which gave the performance a dreamlike quality. The lack of dynamic lighting didn’t diminish the experience, as eaJ’s talent and energy filled the space in a way that made the performance feel vibrant and alive.  

One of the most pleasant surprises of the night was the presence of a live band accompanying eaJ. Many fans might have expected a DJ to back him, given his solo work’s mix of electronic and acoustic elements, but the band brought a refreshing, organic energy to the set. The musicians were tight and well-rehearsed, adding depth to each song with intricate rhythms and solid instrumentation. Their chemistry was infectious, getting the crowd even more involved as they jammed along to the upbeat sections.  

Throughout the set, eaJ frequently engaged with the audience, who responded enthusiastically to his charisma and sincerity. He thanked Salt Lake City for the warm welcome and gave a heartfelt shoutout to Imagine Dragons, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to open for them. His humility and excitement made the audience root for him even more, setting the perfect tone for the night’s main act.  

In summary, eaJ’s performance was an impressive blend of vocal excellence, stage presence, and musical depth. His ability to connect with the crowd while maintaining high energy throughout the set made for a memorable experience. The unexpected addition of a live band elevated the performance, creating a rich and immersive sound. It was clear that eaJ made a lasting impression on both new listeners and longtime fans alike, getting everyone hyped and ready for Imagine Dragons.

Here is his setlist:

1. Voices
2. Come Over
3. burn
4. Visions
5. Traveler
6. Castle in the Sky
7. MAD
8. Lennon
9. safe in the rain
10. Friendly Fire
11. (Unknown)
12. when the rain stops
13. right where you left me

Imagine Dragons

Following a high-energy opening act by eaJ, Imagine Dragons took the stage for the first of three consecutive sold-out shows at the Utah First Amphitheater. The band, often jokingly referred to as being on a “residency tour” due to their deep Utah roots, delivered a spectacular performance. Their homecoming show was not just a concert—it felt like three nights of family celebrations, uniting generations of fans who have grown up with their music over the past 14 years.

Imagine Dragons have become a household name, with hits that appeal to everyone from teenagers to young children and their parents, who were fans when the band first broke onto the scene. The atmosphere reflected this unique multigenerational connection—like a massive “family home evening” spent singing along to familiar songs and creating new memories together. The energy in the crowd was contagious, and the amphitheater buzzed with excitement, knowing that this was just the first of three nights of incredible music.

The band’s stage setup was visually stunning, featuring four towering screens that displayed striking visuals throughout the concert. The combination of dazzling imagery, energetic lighting effects, and bursts of confetti and pyrotechnics transformed the performance into a true production spectacle. Each moment felt larger than life, immersing the audience in a sensory experience that added layers of excitement to the music.

From the first note of their opening song, “Fire in the Hills,” it was clear that Imagine Dragons were here to make a statement. They quickly followed it up with the electrifying “Thunder,” a fan favorite that got the entire crowd singing and dancing along. One of the band’s greatest strengths lies in their ability to keep the audience guessing—they have so many hit songs that no part of the concert feels predictable or dull. Unlike some bands that reserve their biggest hits for the finale, Imagine Dragons confidently sprinkled chart-toppers throughout the set, ensuring that the energy never dropped.

Throughout the night, the band performed several of their most iconic songs, including “Whatever It Takes,” “Radioactive,” “Enemy,” and “Walking the Wire.” Each track was met with thunderous applause, with the audience enthusiastically singing along to every word. The live performance of “Radioactive” in particular stood out, with its explosive finale punctuated by pyrotechnics and an eruption of confetti that filled the amphitheater, creating a breathtaking moment.

Frontman Dan Reynolds brought more than just great vocals to the performance—he also shared his passion for mental health advocacy. Known for his commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues, Reynolds took time between songs to encourage anyone struggling to reach out and seek support. His sincerity and openness resonated deeply with the audience, adding an emotional and uplifting dimension to the evening. Reynolds’ message of resilience and hope is reflected in many of the band’s songs, which focus on overcoming challenges and becoming stronger through adversity. The themes of their music unite fans, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their struggles.

The chemistry between the band members was amazing to watch. , Each of them contributing to the dynamic energy of the show. Whether it was the powerful drumbeats driving “Whatever It Takes” or the electrifying guitar riffs in “Enemy,” the band played with precision and enthusiasm, feeding off the energy of the crowd. Their ability to maintain such a high level of performance over multiple nights is a testament to their skill and passion as musicians.

Speaking of drums, while it’s always disappointing to lose a band member, it can be exciting to “regain” a band member. Now former Imagine Dragons drummer, Daniel Platzman left the band to focus on film composition. This brought the oppoortunity to invite founding drummer, Andrew Tolman to step in as the touring drummer for the band. For those who remember those days seeing the band in its infancy at Velour in Provo this was a welcome sight.

As the night drew to a close, it was clear that the audience didn’t want the experience to end—and neither did the band. Thankfully, for fans lucky enough to snag tickets, Imagine Dragons had two more nights of music planned at the same venue. The enthusiasm and energy from both the band and the crowd made it obvious that this was a special homecoming.

In summary, Imagine Dragons’ first night at the Utah First Amphitheater was nothing short of extraordinary. Their ability to connect with fans of all ages, combined with a stunning production filled with visual effects, confetti, and pyrotechnics, made for an unforgettable experience. With a message of hope and unity at the core of their music, Imagine Dragons created a night that left no one disappointed. Judging by the crowd’s excitement and the sold-out shows that followed, it’s safe to say that Utah would welcome them back any time—and they wouldn’t hesitate to play again. Not a single fan left early, and the amphitheater was filled with joy and energy from start to finish.

Here is their setlist:

1. Fire in These Hills
2. Thunder
3. Bones
4. Hear Me
5. Take Me to the Beach
6. Whatever It Takes (acoustic intro)
7. Bad Liar
8. Nice to Meet You
9. Wake Up
10. Radioactive (drum battle outro)
11. Demons (acoustic intro)
12. Natural
13. Walking the Wire (preceded by “Bleeding Out” snippet)
14. Sharks
15. Enemy
16. Eyes Closed
17. In Your Corner
18. Interlude (video of ID’s journey and fans’ thank yous) 
19. Don’t Forget Me (dedicated to Tyler Robinson)
20. Believer
21. Fire in These Hills (Instrumental)