Empire Of The Sun & Roi Turbo Set The Night On Fire At The Fillmore In Philadelphia

Written and Capture By | Keila Pressley

A night at The Fillmore in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Empire of the Sun delivered a show that felt like stepping into a dream.

Opening the night was the two insanely talented brothers Benjamin and Conor McCarthy or better known as Roi Turbo, the London-based electronic duo whose set brought a darker, moodier tone to the stage. With shadowy lighting and a pulse of synth-heavy beats, they crafted an atmosphere that felt raw, intimate, and intriguing. Their brooding soundscapes created an immersive tension, the perfect prelude to what would soon erupt in bold color and light.

When Empire of the Sun took the stage, the venue transformed instantly. The production was nothing short of cinematic — with surreal, dreamy visuals, bold thought-provoking graphics, and picturesque lighting that made the entire space feel like another world. The band opened with their beloved anthem “Changes”, setting the tone for an epic, immersive night.

Without missing a beat, they followed with “The Feeling You Get” and fan-favorite “Half Mast”, which had the entire crowd singing every word. The energy was electric, and the band kept the momentum going by weaving new songs with beloved classics. Highlights included “Alive”, “Walking on a Dream”, and “We Are the People” — throwbacks that still hit as hard as the first time fans heard them and sent waves of nostalgia through the room.

What made this performance stand out was the careful attention to visual storytelling. The backdrop played with references to musical history, the band’s iconic past videos, and abstract art, creating an ever-evolving, psychedelic canvas. Between the epic outfit changes, unique performing solos from both band members Luke Steele and Ian Ball, choreographed moments, and intentional set visuals, the entire production was alive with movement, color, and emotion. Oh, and you can’t forget the moment they brought out everyone’s favorite mythical sci-fi fantasy character… EMPEROR STEELE!

By the end of the night, the steam blowers weren’t the only thing on fire — the band was too. Unfortunately, Nick did not make an appearance with us that night, but the audience certainly felt his energy in the room with us all night. It was a breathtaking, euphoric experience and a reminder that Empire of the Sun still reigns supreme in the world of electro-pop theatrics.