The return of a cosmic reign: Empire of the Sun drops long-awaited 'Ask That God,' tour dates
- carsydog0
- Dec 12, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
Empyreans, prepare for liftoff: Empire of the Sun is bringing their celestial performance to Washington, D.C. on May 23, landing at The Anthem as part of their first major tour in nearly a decade.
The Australian duo—Luke Steele and Nick Littlemore—have reemerged from the stratosphere with Ask That God, their first album of new material since 2016’s Two Vines. With tracks like “Changes,” “Cherry Blossom,” and “Music on the Radio,” the album is a genre-bending, synth-pop odyssey that finds the band exploring themes of transformation, disillusionment, and renewal. It's classic Empire—introspective yet euphoric, philosophical yet danceable—wrapped in the vivid sonic textures and sweeping melodies that have always set them apart.
Known for their transcendent visuals and theatrical live performances, Empire of the Sun has built a devoted global following since their 2008 debut, Walking on a Dream, which spawned iconic tracks like the title single and “We Are The People.” They followed that success with Ice on the Dune and Two Vines, further cementing their place in the upper echelons of electronic pop.
And the timing feels deliberate. Ask That God is an album about rediscovery and rebirth, and this tour marks the band’s own return from a creative cocoon. The fresh discography is a portal into Empire of the Sun’s next chapter, inviting audiences to let go, lift off, and lose themselves in the dream once again.
With Ask That God, the duo delves into new emotional territory while still offering the kind of infectious hooks and big-picture ideas that their fans—Empyreans, if you will—have come to expect. From the euphoric highs of “AEIOU” to the vulnerable final notes of “Friends I Know,” the album feels like a rebirth, both spiritually and musically. And now, fans in D.C. will get the chance to experience this live once again.
The band’s return to the stage marks a striking new chapter in their creative journey. Known for their immersive, sci-fi-inspired performances, Steele and Littlemore build entire dreamscapes on stage, rich with visuals, movement, and surreal design. If their past shows are any indication, audiences can expect a cascade of lasers, otherworldly costumes, and a visual experience that teeters between pop spectacle and avant-garde installation.
Expect surreal visuals, shimmering costumes, and a setlist that blends their beloved hits with the ethereal energy of Ask That God. To catch the dynamic duo on tour, see a full list of tour dates below:
February 8, 2025 @ Party in the Paddock in Launceston, AU
February 22, 2025 @ Electric Avenue Festival in Christchurch, NZ
February 26, 2025 @ Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, HI
March 28, 2025 @ Lollapalooza Brasil in São Paulo, BR
March 30, 2025 @ Estéreo Picnic in Bogotá, CO
April 2, 2025 @ Auditorio Citibanamex in Monterrey, MX
April 4, 2025 @ Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, MX
April 23, 2025 @ The Fillmore in Detroit, MI
April 24, 2025 @ Radius in Chicago, IL
April 26, 2025 @ Saint Louis Music Park in Saint Louis, MO
April 28, 2025 @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO
April 30, 2025 @ WaMu Theater in Seattle, WA
May 1, 2025 @ Cuthbert Amphitheater in Eugene, OR
May 3, 2025 @ Greek Theatre in Berkeley, CA
May 11, 2025 @ The Pearl in Las Vegas, NV
May 14, 2025 @ Moody Amphitheater in Austin, TX
May 15, 2025 @ South Side Ballroom in Dallas, TX
May 16, 2025 @ 713 Music Hall in Houston, TX
May 18, 2025 @ Coca-Cola Roxy in Atlanta, GA
May 20, 2025 @ The Fillmore in Philadelphia, PA
May 21, 2025 @ Brooklyn Mirage in Brooklyn, NY
May 23, 2025 @ The Anthem in Washington, DC
May 24, 2025 @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston, MA
