Through the Lens of Justin Hammer: Acid Bath and Ministry at Red Rocks
Justin Hammer
Oct 8, 2026
A Photographic Perspective
Acid Bath’s much-anticipated return to the stage in April 2025 was something most of us, myself included, thought we’d never witness. I was only six years old in April 1997 when they first split, one of many fans who never experienced the raw, original Acid Bath live. Now, as a photographer, I’ve not only had the chance to see them many times over the past year and a half, but I’ve also gotten to know the band personally while capturing their resurgence through my lens. It’s been a dream come true—an experience my 14-year-old self could never have imagined.
*credit - Justin Hammer Photography
First, starting out in our home city of New Orleans, Acid Bath played their first show back at The Fillmore 28 years to the day of their last show in 97. This quickly led to multiple double-night, sold-out shows across the US. Later that same year, they made it back home for a Headlining show at UNO Lakefront Arena with support from bands like Mastodon, Soilent Green, Power Trip, and more. Following a year of nonstop touring, they continued upping the ante, booking venues like The Caverns, a venue built inside an actual cave in the mountains of Tennessee, and The Rooftop at Pier 17 in NYC. Then came the festival appearances, such as Hellfest in France and their first-ever European tour supporting System of a Down and Queens of the Stone Age.
*credit - Justin Hammer Photography
September 15, 2026, marked an even bigger milestone: Acid Bath headlined and sold out the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre in the mountains of northern Colorado—a moment I never thought I’d have the privilege to capture. It's taken me a few weeks to come down from the excitement of the show, and so that's why this article is a bit delayed, but better late than never. Plus, I just got really busy. My photography is really starting to take off, and I am so grateful. Thank you to everyone who lets me capture them through my photography.
Red Rocks Amphitheatre, opened in 1941, is a geological phenomenon-the only naturally occurring, acoustically perfect amphitheater in the world. The rock walls on both sides, towering over concertgoers, create a special, unique experience unlike any other venue. It's breathtaking, really.
Acid Bath was joined by Denver’s own Cephalic Carnage, doom masters Windhand, the electronic metal duo Twin Tribes, and the legendary Ministry. The lineup set the stage for an unforgettable night. By the time Acid Bath took the stage, the venue was packed—over 9,500 fans, all waiting to hear that signature Louisiana sludge reverberate through the mountains. For some, it was just another show; for others, it was their first time seeing Acid Bath—or even their very first concert. As the band stepped onto the stage, the crowd erupted in applause. I watched through my camera as thousands mouthed the lyrics to songs that, until recently, hadn’t been played live for nearly 30 years. At one point, I lowered my camera, took a breath, and just absorbed the moment, realizing how special it was to witness and document this history.
This was more than a concert—it was the experience of a lifetime, something I’ve dreamed about for 18 years as a music photographer. I never imagined Acid Bath would be the band to finally make that dream come true, which makes it even more meaningful. Watching these incredible Louisiana musicians command the same stage where so many legendary acts have performed—and seeing them mesmerize a sold-out crowd—truly felt like witnessing history in the making. As their lyrics say: “Let the Blackness Roll On…”
*All photos by Justin Hammer
