EMF & Spacehog California Summer Tour at the Observatory Orange County
EMF and Spacehog are currently on their North American tour. The artists are performing several dates in Southern California. The groups performed at the Observatory Orange County in Santa Ana, California on June 26th and The Regent Theatre in Los Angeles, California on June 27th.
EMF
English Alternative Rock group, EMF, have been touring through the state of California with fellow Rock group, Spacehog. Their tour began on June 14th at the Ritz in San Jose, California. The groups were performing their second to last California tour date at the Observatory in Santa Ana, California. The band’s stage name ‘EMF’ is acronym that represents ‘Epsom Mad Funkers.’ Lead singer, James Atkin, playfully asked the audience what their band name ‘EMF’ stood for during their set. Atkin mentioned that they joined the protests that were occurring in the city of San Jose.
He also informed the audience, that during EMF’s tour, the band has been inspired to write songs due to California’s picturesque scenery. Atkins mentioned they have collected many fond memories on the road and have enjoyed their experience in California. The group have been writing new songs consecutively the past three days. EMF performed their brand new songs for the audience such as ‘Reach For the Lasers.’ Atkins asked the audience to raise their hands towards the music venue’s roof during the chorus of ‘Reach For the Lasers.’
The group welcomed on to the stage musicians, Bella and David, who opened their show. They perform with EMF on their latest raw track, ‘LGBT’. Ian Dench, EMF’s guitarist and songwriter, mentioned this new song was inspired by a friend who had to hide their sexuality their entire life. The group continued the show by performing their debut songs such as ‘Children’ from their first album.
EMF played upon the energy of the audience and kicked off a dance party during their set. The group performed a mashed-up medley of ‘Pump Up The Jam,’ ‘Blue Monday,’ and more which elevated the mood of the audience. The group brought back a 90s’ throwback when they performed their iconic track, ‘Unbelievable,’ which the audience sang along and danced to. EMF will be performing at Cindyfest in the United Kingdom on July 12th. The group will be kicking off their United Kingdom tour this Fall. EMF’s tour starts in Glasgow on October 9th. For more information and upcoming tour dates, visit their website.
Set List
The Day the Music Died
I Believe
Lies
Put Your Hands in the Air
They're Here
Reach For the Lasers (Medley W/ Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now), Pump Up The Jam, Breathe, Blue Monday)
Children
Unbelievable
LGBTQ+
Inside
SPACEHOG
Alternative Rock group, Spacehog, headlined the show at The Observatory Orange County. The musicians stepped upon the stage in their fabulous glam attire. They were adorned in high heel boots, collars, fluffy and gold embellished jackets, and bedazzled leotards. The band has been inspired by Glam Rock from their fruition. They were inspired by artists such as David Bowie, The Beatles, Queen, T.Rex, and more. Their fashion style and on-stage performance is reminiscent of neo-glam, Space Rock, Glam Rock. Even some of their songs have space themes in their titles.
Spacehog’s lead singers and songwriters are brothers, Royston Langdon and Anthony Langdon, who formed the group. The Langdon brothers are originally from Leeds and they formed the band, Spacehog, in the United States. Spacehog has toured with groups such as The Black Crowes, Oasis, and have collaborated with various renowned artists. During their Orange County concert, Spacehog performed songs from their debut album, ‘Resident Alien,’ such as ‘In The Meantime,’ ‘Cruel to be Kind,’ and ‘Space Is the Place.’ This album sold over half a million copies when it was released in 1995.
The group ended the night with a performance of their hit track, ‘In The Meantime,’ which the audience pulled out their phones to record and sang along. The track was written by Royston Langdon and represents a symbolic metaphor inspired by an artist’s longing to connect and reach people. In the track is a sampling of a phone ringing. When the song was released, it became popular and it launched the success of Spacehog’s musical career.
Spacehog’s tour will continue through the month of June. Their tour finale is on June 28th in Las Vegas, Nevada. For upcoming tour dates and more information, visit Spacehog’s website. For upcoming events at the Observatory Orange County, visit their website.
Setlist
Crack City (Tin Machine cover)
Cruel to Be Kind
Space Is the Place
Love Is a Curious Thing
Earthquake
Spacehog
The Horror
Mungo City
Carry On
I Want to Live
In the Meantime
Coverage by Veronica Potes // Instagram: @veropoteart
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