by Grace Rojas Smith | October 20th, 2026
I arrived at the Ogden for Knox’s My Midwest Best Live on Tour Denver show on October 20th, 2026, soon after the doors opened. I wanted to find a spot close enough to the stage for a full HD view of the band, but not so close that my 5-foot-2 self would be engulfed and unintentionally suffocated by the crowd. I settled myself on the far left side of the stage in front of the railing separating the cozy pit from the rest of the venue. I’m not going to lie, I hoped to be front and center so I could take in every bit of the show, but my shyness kept me from asking to sneak in between groups of people leaning against the already busy railings.
My preparations for this night began as soon as Knox’s "My Midwest Best" album released in early October—go in blind, avoid spoilers at all costs. To be transparent, I’ve seen Knox before, I even got a VIP pass and artist Q&A with him for his Going, Going, Gone tour and left that night feeling elated, but I wanted to see if this experience would repeat itself this time around. I felt the Denver show for this tour would be different. Not because it was a bigger show, and not because it was his birthday (happy birthday, Knox!), but because Knox keeps prioritizing building and fostering a beautiful community around himself, even as his audiences and shows keep growing.
"I’m surprised this crowd didn’t rush into the pit. They seem so chill," I overheard the security guard tell his coworker. He was right. I looked over my shoulder at the lively venue behind me and saw the crowd wasn’t desperately throwing elbows for the best spot at the barricade or filling the pit to the brim. Instead, they laughed, chatted, took pictures and made memories. Knox’s Denver fans caught up with strangers like old friends and slowly settled into their places for the evening.
I slowly (and eagerly) watched the venue behind me fill with joy and anticipation for Knox.
Emi Grace and her band took the opening stage with an irresistible, undeniable presence, the kind that turns you into an immediate fan, even if you, like me, have never listened to their music before. Denver’s Knox crowd showed up for Emi Grace, responding as if they'd been anticipating her performance all night. The band's energy was electric as the audience soaked up every ounce of blood, sweat, and tears this group put into preparing for that night. Emi Grace’s setlist was punchy from start to finish; the group worked through minor technical issues flawlessly, and successfully set the tone for Knox to dominate the stage shortly after. If this opening act confirmed something for me, it’s that Knox has a 2/2 track record for picking incredible opening acts his audience will love (The Wldlfe being his first “home run” during his Going, Going, Gone tour).
The night was young, and it was time for Knox to take the stage. This Midwest, corn-fed, redheaded kid started off the night with a bang, singing "4.3 Forty" and "After the After Party," both from his newest album. Knox and his band have a hypnotic, almost addicting stage presence that makes it impossible to look away. Every note and every breath (I’ve been told these are limited when you’re a mile high) throughout the show was so meticulously rehearsed that they flowed naturally and effortlessly for Knox and his bandmates Cam, John and Christian.
I have to admit, I felt the team was going to deliver artistically. What made the difference during that show was Knox’s unwavering commitment and devotion to the community he's built a mile high. Throughout the show, Knox walked miles across the stage, making a point to say hello to every fan in every nook and cranny of the venue, including me at the far-left edge. About a quarter of the way through, Knox took a moment to ease the crowd’s worries that he was coming off as low-effort or "bored," and assured the venue he was conserving energy to survive performing on a thimble of Denver oxygen. What can we say, Knox? Denver tends to take artists’ breath away when they meet our crowds—we’re just that good.
Despite the cool October air across the Denver metro, the Ogden was packed and a little too toasty. After nearly 15 years of attending shows, I’ve been a victim of and have seen plenty of the horrors of heat exhaustion and locked knees. Even while juggling every piece of his performance, Knox took time to check on his fans and even stopped the show for a few minutes to make sure fans near the middle of the venue were okay. He also spent a few moments making sure everyone who needed water got a bottle before offering to play the song again from the beginning. This may seem like artist etiquette 101; however, in my experience, it's rare to see an artist sacrifice precious minutes of their set to keep their community safe.
Photo by Hayley Mewborn
One song that truly stood out to me most was his power-packed rendition of "All American Tragedy." This song was missing from the Denver Going, Going, Gone setlist and disappointed most, but Knox promised nearly a year ago he would make it up to the crowds on his next tour, and he did; he kept his promise.
Knox's team playfully interrupted the show twice to wish Cam and John very happy late and early birthdays, teasing his own upcoming birthday celebration, hosted near the end of the show before his encore. Knox embraced these moments to remove the spotlight from himself and shower his bandmates with the love and celebration they deserve. He ended the night with a birthday cake and an eager crowd singing "Happy Birthday," followed by a two-song encore. He mixed "Not the 1975" with Walk the Moon's "Shut Up and Dance," and closed out with a bang: "Pick Your Poison."
Ultimately, I don’t think this night was ever about Knox, not even on his birthday. This show, and I would assume every show he has and will play, is about celebrating the people who have made it possible for this Midwest corn-fed kid to achieve his dreams. Knox has the talent of a megastar with the humility and community of a faithful indie artist, and I think that’s exactly what will take him far. He's fostered such a safe, welcoming community that I’m rarely reminded Knox isn't necessarily a household name. Honestly, I hope Knox becomes a household name; he’s worked for it, and he deserves it. But part of me hopes he continues to host small-venue shows where he can stay connected to his community beyond the platforms.
By the end of the night, I couldn’t stop smiling. How special it is to witness this pop-punk kid having the time of his life up there. Happy (late) birthday, Knox, and thank you for being your fans’ #1 fan.