Everybody’s Here, Nobody’s Sitting Still
Sawyer Hill and Never Ending Fall take over the Bluebird Theater
Sawyer Hill took over Denver’s own Bluebird Theater on October 13, selling out the room for a stop on his Everybody’s Home, Nobody’s Happy tour.
Never Ending Fall kicked things off with a story that goes back to a school talent show. The Maryland-born five-piece has grown up alongside its music, building a following through its indie-rock sound and online presence. There's a youthful energy running through their music, but the band's years of playing together has given them room to experiment and really create a sound that is all their own. They kept the energy up and left the crowd buzzing as the headliner stepped on stage.
You’d be hard-pressed to talk about Sawyer Hill without mentioning the hair, and honestly, why fight it? But beyond the unmistakable look, the Arkansas native has the sound to back it up. He draws from his roots in blues and country while keeping one foot firmly planted in alternative rock.
With Everybody’s Home, Nobody’s Happy at the center of the tour, Denver got to hear the latest chapter of Sawyer Hill’s sound firsthand. “Tyin’ the Noose” and “Jimmy’s Gone Numb” both made the setlist, bringing two of the newer tracks off the record into a room that already knew all the words. Hill followed up his latest material with a little Johnny Cash, taking his own spin on “Folsom Prison Blues.” It’s one of those songs that needs little introduction, and hearing it alongside his own material added a fun change of pace to the night.
The Bluebird show was meant to be just another stop on the tour but sadly, the hours after the show brought devastating news, turning what had been a celebration of live music into a moment of grief for the touring community.
On the way to the next gig a tragic accident involving the touring bus claimed the life of David “Rolling Cloud” Jackson. David was the driver traveling with Sawyer Hill and his crew, and his loss has left a lasting impact on those who shared the road with him. The people behind live music often become a family of their own, bound together by long miles, late nights, and the experience of bringing music from one city to the next. Drivers, crew members, tour managers, photographers, and countless others are part of what makes this world move, even if their work happens far from the spotlight.
Following the tragedy, Sawyer Hill canceled the remaining dates of the tour. While the music may pause, the connections formed on the road remain, and the loss of someone within that community reaches well beyond one band or one run of shows.
Our hearts go out to David’s family and friends, Sawyer Hill, the band, and everyone who knew and worked alongside him. A GoFundMe has been established to help bring David home to Minnesota and assist his family with funeral expenses. Those who would like to support his loved ones can contribute here:
Help Bring David “Rolling Cloud” Jackson Home
We extend our deepest condolences to everyone grieving David’s loss, and hope his loved ones feel surrounded by care and support in the days ahead.