Empire of the Sun, with support from Midnight Generation and a vibrant DJ set from Polo & Pan, took Red Rocks by storm on a perfect August evening with a mind-bending performance for the ages. Anytime you get the opportunity to experience a show at the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre, you should seize it, and in a spectacular return to the venue, Empire of the Sun brought their epic Ask That God – Afterlife tour to the sold-out crowd. The band delivered an 18-song set that spanned their entire career, proving that their signature sound remains as potent as ever.
Fans were treated to timeless favorites like “Changes,” “Cherry Blossom,” “We Are The People,” “Walking On A Dream,” and “Alive,” all performed with the same infectious energy that defined their early success. Luke Steele commanded the stage with the presence of a seasoned rock star, utilizing multiple costume changes and interacting with a pair of dancers whose choreography was nothing short of Broadway-worthy.
Seeing Empire of the Sun live is akin to witnessing a high-concept Broadway musical, but with visual production that only a venue like The Sphere in Las Vegas could truly rival. Steele stalked the stage with a ferocity that few modern live acts can match, while his bandmates, adorned in monk-like costumes, provided a grounded yet ethereal foundation for the stage presentation. Whether you are a career-spanning fan or are just becoming familiar with the band, take the opportunity to see Empire of the Sun if they come to your area.
The evening was bolstered by a half-hour set from opening band Midnight Generation, who showcased their unique brand of Disco, Funk, and Soul. The five-piece, Mexico-based ensemble displayed an ambitious energy that immediately set the tone for the night. Following them, Polo & Pan kept the crowd simmering with a French-influenced set of daytime disco, perfectly reciprocating the high-energy vibe of the Red Rocks audience.