Empire of the Sun hosts an Awakening at Forest Hills Stadium
On the Afterlife leg of their Ask That God tour, Empire of the Sun continues their elaborate journey into their own legends.
Flanked by celestial figures, Luke Steele of Empire of the Sun took to the stage at Forest Hills Stadium Saturday night, debuting a song called “Desire.” Here, the crowd embarked into the band’s mythical world. On the Afterlife leg of their Ask That God tour, Empire of the Sun continues their elaborate journey into their own legends.
Made up of Steele and Nick Littlemore, Empire of the Sun debuted their album “Walking On A Dream” in 2008 and established their careers as the eccentric, synth-y pop duo. With a body of work that is both futuristic and ancient, the Australian electronic duo brings fans into an immersive world, both on stage and lyrically.
Empire of the Sun brought in a mix of hits from their discography, as well as some new songs and unreleased tracks. Both dedicated fans and casual listeners had the chance to hear some songs that weren’t performed live on the first leg of their Ask That God tour.
The show is deeply elaborate, suffused with its own mythology and ecology. As the show begins, the space becomes sacred, as Empire of the Sun harnesses a space for our past, present, and afterlife to converge.
The tour is supported by opening acts Polo & Pan and Midnight Generation.
Steele took pause throughout the show to harness the space and encourage the crowd, reminding each of them that they are loved and beautifully made. The crowd was overwhelmingly positive and joyful. Some of the fans at the barricade wore elaborate costumes, wore headdresses, and painted their faces.
- Photo Credit Nicholas McMillen
During “We Are the People” two luminescent figures danced beside Steele as he sang, “We are the people that rule the world / A force running in every boy and girl / All rejoining in the world / Take me now, we can try.” Angles of light beamed off the dancers’ bodies and toward the crowd, as if energy was passed from one being to another.
Supachai, a mop-like creature joined Steels on stage for some banter before dancing along to “Music on the Radio.” Supachai made its debut in the band’s music video for “Changes” and has since made appearances on tour.
During “Walking on a Dream” Steele went down into the crowd, greeting fans across the barricade and passing the microphone to one fan to join in singing.
The tour continues through October 9, as Empire of the Sun brings their funky spirit, deep sense of unity, and proverbial guitar smash to each stage. They continue to sing and make meaning, reminding fans that they're “Lovin’ every minute / ‘Cause you make me feel so alive, alive.” —Olivia Bardo
- Photo Credit Nicholas McMillen
