Explosions in the Sky, the atmospheric instrumental rock band from Texas, has been touring consistently for over 20 years. However, there is speculation that their current tour may be their last. In this article, we’ll look at the evidence and questions around whether this is truly the end for Explosions in the Sky.
When did Explosions in the Sky form?
Explosions in the Sky formed in Austin, Texas in 1999. The band was started by childhood friends Mark Smith, Michael James and Munaf Rayani after their previous band stalled out. They were joined by Christopher Hrasky shortly after forming. The four members have remained consistent since then.
Explosions in the Sky plays instrumental rock, focused on building crescendos and atmosphere through layered guitar parts. They are known for not using vocals in their songs. Their music often evokes big emotions through soaring melodies.
How long has Explosions in the Sky been touring and recording?
Explosions in the Sky started touring extensively soon after forming in 1999. They have steadily toured and released new music ever since.
Their discography includes:
- How Strange, Innocence (2000)
- Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever (2001)
- The Earth Is Not a Cold Dead Place (2003)
- The Rescue (2005)
- All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (2007)
- Take Care, Take Care, Take Care (2011)
- The Wilderness (2016)
- Big Bend (An Original Soundtrack for Public Television) (2022)
In addition to 8 studio albums, they have also released a number of EPs, singles, collaborations and live albums. Their music has been used extensively in TV shows and movies as well.
They have toured worldwide multiple times, including festivals like Coachella and Austin City Limits. Their live shows are known for their energy and cathartic, emotional atmosphere.
Why do people think this is their last tour?
There are a few reasons why some fans speculate this current tour may be Explosions in the Sky’s last:
- They have been a band for over 20 years now with no signs of stopping in the past, so the long career could be leading to fatigue or wanting to do other projects.
- Band members are getting older and may want to retire or spend less time touring intensely.
- They have an extensive back catalog at this point, allowing them to focus on selective shows rather than constant new album touring cycles.
- The band released an album in 2022 but it was a soundtrack rather than an album of new songs, perhaps indicating shifting priorities.
- The band’s current tour is billed as “An Evening With Explosions in the Sky” rather than connected to an album or event, giving it a sense of finality.
However, this speculation comes from fans and critics rather than any definitive statements from the band themselves. Explosions in the Sky has not specifically said this is their last tour or given plans to break up.
What statements has the band made about continuing or retiring?
The band members themselves have not directly said this tour or album cycle will be their last. However, they have made some ambiguous statements leading to speculation:
- In a 2021 interview, bassist Michael James said “We’re entering a period where we don’t know what the future holds for us as a band.”
- In another 2021 interview, drummer Christopher Hrasky said “we’re kind of approaching a time period where we’re getting into our 40s, and I think we’re just taking it one step at a time and we’ll see how we feel when this record cycle is over.”
While opaque, these comments do suggest the band is in a transitional point in their career where the future is uncertain. However, they have not outright said they plan to retire.
How long is Explosions in the Sky’s current tour?
Explosions in the Sky kicked off their current tour in October 2022. It is currently scheduled to run through December 2022 with 28 tour dates in the US.
Some key dates and locations include:
- Oct 13 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Music Hall
- Oct 14 – Albuquerque, NM – Sunshine Theater
- Oct 16 – Austin, TX – ACL Live at Moody Theater
- Oct 18 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
- Nov 10 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
- Nov 13 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
- Nov 16 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
- Nov 29 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
- Dec 1 – San Francisco, CA – Masonic
- Dec 3 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
The tour covers major venues across the Southern, Eastern and Western US. So far additional 2023 dates have not been announced after this tour concludes in December.
What does the tour setlist look like?
Explosions in the Sky’s current tour draws from their entire catalog of albums spanning their 20+ year career. Setlists have included old favorites as well as newer tracks.
Some songs played on multiple tour dates include:
- “The Birth and Death of the Day”
- “Catastrophe and the Cure”
- “Disintegration Anxiety”
- “Your Hand in Mine”
- “The Only Moment We Were Alone”
- “Memorial”
- “Logic of a Dream”
The setlists range from 60 to 90 minutes long. The shows have focused on the band’s evocative instrumental music without additional opening acts or interludes.
What are reviews saying about the shows so far?
So far reviews of Explosions in the Sky’s current tour have been very positive:
- A Brooklyn Vegan review called the Kings Theatre show “as powerful and relevant as ever” and noted “Their signature building, layered songs sounded as epic as ever.”
- The Houston Chronicle raved “The all-instrumental quartet proved as majestic as always” in their hometown show.
- A fan on setlist.fm said “They are still in their prime and put on an amazing show!” about their Chicago date.
Overall the reviews indicate Explosions in the Sky remains a powerful, emotive live act even after being a band for over 20 years. The shows are viewed as genuinely special events by critics and fans.
What do fans think about the possibility of a last tour?
Fans on social media and forums seem torn about the possibility of this being Explosions in the Sky’s final tour:
- Some say the band deserves to retire after their long career and are happy to get more chances to see them live.
- Others say they hope this isn’t the end and that the band continues making music and touring for years to come.
- Some pragmatically note that even if they stop extensive touring, the members may continue occasional shows or new projects.
- Many just express sadness at the thought of losing the ability to see the band perform their cathartic songs live.
Overall the fans’ consensus seems to be grateful appreciation for the long career Explosions in the Sky has already had, mixed with hope that there are still more tours and albums ahead in the future.
Conclusion:
While Explosions in the Sky has not definitively stated this is their last tour, there are reasons for speculation that they may be winding down as a touring act after 20+ prolific years. However, the band has left the door open to potentially continuing on.
Their current tour has seen rave reviews so far, proving the instrumental rock quartet remains powerful live performers even decades into their career. While fans are nervous about the prospect of a farewell, Explosions in the Sky’s members seem focused on celebrating their catalog rather than definitively stating their next steps.
It appears that only time will tell whether one of the most impactful instrumental rock bands of the 2000s decides to say farewell or continue making cathartic music. But their current “Evening With” tour allows fans to enjoy the Explosions in the Sky’s intimate, emotional live show experience just in case it is for the last time.