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So Glad You Made It But Why Did You All Leave

Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
311, Dirty Heads, Ocean Alley, Rome
Aug 11, 2026

      I was surprised by the 5:30 show start. It seemed early, but with this being a co-headlining show, it made sense. The downside was that the middle of rush hour, and one of the roads collapsed from a broken water main earlier in the day and was closed. So the crowd to start was nothing to write home about. The temp was a casual 97 degrees, perfect for the cool vibes I was expecting from tonight's show. This was my first time seeing these bands live, so I was looking forward to it.

     Rome (Rome Ramirez’s solo project) took the stage first. As I said, due to outside circumstances, it was to a very humble crowd. Plenty of fans in the valley, I believe, would have been there. If I Hadn’t left as early as I did, I would not have been there on time. Those that did make it were enjoying themselves, dancing like no one was looking. His music definitely helped set the reggae, ska, beach punk tone I was expecting. Even though that stage was an oven, he kept his stage presence high for the growing crowd. I wasn’t expecting to see a steel guitar tonight, but there it was, and I was happy to see it. That is an instrument that needs to break out of its typecast and into other genres. Overall, Rome’s set was good and there wasn’t much of mention about his set. This set was in broad daylight, so there wasn't much for lighting other than the oven light in the sky.
      When Ocean Alley came on next, I had no clue what to expect. Seeing their name on the show bill was the first time I had heard of them. They took the stage, come to find out they are from Sydney, Australia. A lot of bands come have through from Australia this year. Makes me think I need to visit. I really liked this band. Their music blends blues, rock, some country, and is full of soul. They performed a great cover of “Baby Come Back” By Player. Their stage presence was ok at first but got better through out their set. During their set the crowd really began to fill in. It was definitely a diverse, multi-generationa crowdl. Both Rome and Ocean Alley were very instrument-forward; I didn't catch much in the way of tracks running in the background.       The 30-minute break went by quickly when the Dirty Heads took the stage. I missed these guys last year when they came through with Slightly Stoopid, Common Kings, and The Elovaters. I didn't want to miss them this year. I was taken back at the number of members in the band, but it made sense. There was a brass section with a trumpet and trombone. Drums and Bongos/Congas, and the bass and guitar. Filled the stage up well. Their energy was exactly what I would have expected from them. Co-lead Dirty J did a great job engaging with the crowd and covering the stage. Same with Co-lead Duddy B brought the guitar and rap. The rest of the accompaniment had a stellar performance. Together they did a great job of bringing the beach to the mountains of Idaho. Even looking up, the light clouds looked like waves crashing. Notably, they covered Joe Walsh’s “Life Been Good.”As the sun was dipping below the horizon, and the light rig could do its thing. They had video boards running in the back to match the current song they were playing in the set. It was a well-designed production, modest and not too gaudy. I would love to have the Meddusa animation as a poster hanging in my office. This was a great set, and for me, seeing things live for the first time, they definitely stood out.
      Another 30 minutes before 311 took the stage to finish off the night. Co-headlining with Dirty Heads, there was things that needed to be moved out of the way first. So I sat with friends and watched the changeover. The things that go into a production, from the lights to sound to the stage plot and everything we don't get to see, fascinate me. Before we knew it, 311 was on stage and performing. The energy they brought from the beginning to the end of their set was pure, top-level showmanship. They kept me invested from the start. It was the fast-paced rock sound I knew them for throughout the night, with slower melodies like “Love Song” and “Amber” mixed in. We will talk about “Amber” in a second, though. The night was pretty straightforward, and the summer vibes were kept high. There was this drummer solo just after transitor that currently holds the crown for my favorite of the year. What I didn't expect, but was delighted by, was when they formed a drum line and performed a full-band drum solo. The sound they created was primal, almost like war drums on the march. We will talk about “Amber” in a second, though. The night was pretty straightforward, and the summer vibes were kept high. There was this drummer solo just after transitor that currently holds the crown for my favorite of the year. What I didn't expect, but was delighted by, was when they formed a drum line and performed a full-band drum solo. The sound they created was primal, almost like war drums on the march.

     After that, the rest of the show played out not as I would have expected. They played “Amber” third-to-last in the set, and around 1030pm you could see some crowd attrition beginning, pretty normal on a school night. The moment “Amber” ended, it was complete capitulation. Over half the crowd just got up and left. This was by far the rudest thing I have ever seen fans do at a show. Yes, it was late. Yes, you got to hear your favorite song, but no, you couldn’t wait another damn 15 minutes for the band, who came here for you, to finish the show. I was disappointed in the Treasure Valley for this. The last two songs are some of my favorites: “Feels So Good” with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, like funk. Then the song that got me listening to 311 in the first place, “Down,” finished the night. They had a great show, and I was so glad I made it.
     Some afterthoughts to share. Come to the show and have fun. Most did, but I saw a few bad apples that I saw. Always keep in mind these are summer shows outside. It's going to be hot. Heat does not play with alcohol, and no water. Hydrate, Hydrate, hydrate; no one wants to be taking a wheelchair ride to first aid because they didn't drink enough water. You just end up missing the show. Again, have fun.
Photography and review ©Justin Webb
311
Dirty Heads
Ocean Alley
ROME
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