Empire of the Sun Illuminates the Hollywood Bowl in a Night of Cosmic Brilliance

Los Angeles is no stranger to hosting transformative moments, but on the night of November 22, the Hollywood Bowl became a gateway to another dimension. Empire of the Sun’s Ask That God tour landed with a celestial energy, turning the iconic venue into an electrifying dreamscape. For fans who braved a rare drizzle to bask in the duo’s radiance, the reward was an unforgettable journey through sound, light, and emotion.

Empire of the Sun have played the Hollywood Bowl before, in 2015, but this visit felt different. Opener Neil Frances started off the night, as drizzling rain began to form and seats began to fill. The headliners, not technically on a reunion tour but also having not put out an album since 2016, had no trouble filling the iconic Los Angeles venue, even on a chilly, rainy night. Ask That God is their fourth studio album, released on 26 July of this year, and they were quick to get into the new songs.

The headlining set began with an atmospheric overture as the duo launched into “Changes,” the stage drenched in vibrant crimson hues. A mesmerizing guitar solo introduced the crowd to the world of Empire, a blend of ethereal soundscapes and theatrical visuals. The momentum carried effortlessly into “The Feeling You Get” and “Half Mast,” drawing the audience to their feet as Luke Steele, with his signature flair and headdress, commanded the stage with infectious energy.

Empire of the Sun has always been about more than music—it’s an experience. The visuals accompanying “Cherry Blossom” and “DNA” transported the crowd into kaleidoscopic worlds, with imagery of lush florals and cosmic galaxies painting the giant screen behind the duo. During “Television,” a kaleidoscope of retro televisions and robotic figures pulsated in perfect harmony with the track’s nostalgic synths. Each song was a carefully curated blend of futuristic aesthetics and heartfelt emotion, weaving the new Ask That God tracks seamlessly into a setlist of fan-favorite classics.

A highlight of the evening was Steele’s heartfelt tribute to the journey that brought him to the Hollywood Bowl. Sharing a story of self-doubt during the pandemic and a renewed purpose found through faith, he drew cheers of support from the audience. The performance of “Ask That God” felt deeply personal, the visual of a marble hand reaching out a poignant symbol of gratitude and inspiration.

The night closed with a showstopping encore of “Standing on the Shore” and the anthemic “Alive.” Fireworks lit up the misty sky as Steele’s soaring vocals brought the audience together in a moment of unity and euphoria. As the credits rolled on the screen and the crowd reluctantly dispersed, it was clear Empire of the Sun had once again captured lightning in a bottle.

Under the open sky of Los Angeles, Empire of the Sun reminded us all of the transcendent power of music—a cosmic dream made real, if only for one unforgettable night.

Photos by Randall Michelson/Live Nation-Hewitt Silva