Photo by Philip Cosores
An artist getting a day named after them in a city or state isn’t exactly a rarity. Foo Fighters got one in Virginia a few years ago, and David Bowie Day is celebrated in both Chicago and New York City. Usually such honors are bestowed upon living legends or recently deceased icons, not breakout stars riding a wave of success from their debut album. Colorado bucked that trend over the weekend, however, as Governor John Hickenlooper (real name) declared December 17th Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Day.
To be fair, Rateliff himself has been on the scene for many years, but it is the Night Sweats’ self-titled debut that has brought him the most renown. That’s the album they were supporting at Denver’s Ogden Theater on Saturday evening when Governor Hickenlooper made his declaration. The Governor bestowed the honor on the band in thanks for the recognition they’ve brought to the state’s music scene, as well as in acknowledgement of the great success they’ve seen off the back of just one full-length release.
Read Hickenlooper’s complete declaration below:
“Whereas the rock & roll folk R&B group have traveled over 208,000 miles in the last 18 months, touring the world and playing sold-out venues.
And whereas, since June 2015, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have performed 246 shows in more than 16 countries across the globe.
And whereas Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats sold over 640,000 albums and have performed for over 700,000 people, not including you.
And whereas 7.1 million people have streamed the band on Spotify for a total of 432 years of cumulative music listening time.
And whereas, managed by Chris Tetzeli and Denver-based 7S Management, the group, even with their global travel, has deep roots to the Colorado community.
And whereas their upcoming August 2017 show at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, a world-renowned venue with 10,000 seats, sold out in just seven minutes.
And whereas Colorado’s music scene continues to grow and thrive to the enormous talent, dedication, and passion for community musicians like Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats brings to our state.
Therefore, I, J.W. Hickenlooper, governor of the entire state of Colorado, do hereby proclaim forever after December 17th, 2016 The Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats Day in the state of Colorado.”
According to Bolder Beat, Rateliff periodically wiped tears from his eyes during that evening’s performance. The band also performed a number of new songs during the set, so it doesn’t look like having their own day will cause them to rest on their laurels anytime soon.
