EMF are returning to North America for a ten-date East Coast run this May, their fourth visit in two years. The British dance-rock quintet kick off May 7 in Philadelphia and work their way through Buffalo, Toronto, Montreal, Boston, New York City, and more before closing out May 16 in Hamden, CT. NYC art-rock outfit Ecce Shnak supports throughout. Tickets are on sale now at most dates.
The tour carries real weight. This year marks 25 years since Schubert Dip, the debut album that launched “Unbelievable” to Number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and made EMF a global household name. Guitarist Ian Dench puts it plainly: “You all in the U.S. will always hold a special place in our hearts because you took us into yours.” Expect “Unbelievable,” “Lies,” “I Believe,” and “Children” all in the set.
The classics share the stage with newer material. The Beauty and the Chaos (2024) and EP Reach for Something Higher (2025) both factor into the setlists, including “Hands in the Air” and “LGBTQ+ Lover,” two tracks inspired by the band’s last U.S. run. EMF have been building momentum steadily since their return with Go Go Sapiens in 2022, and a new album is already on the way.
Formed in 1989 in Cinderford in England’s Forest of Dean, EMF built their sound from a combustible mix of dance, rock, and pop energy. James Atkin, Ian Dench, Derry Brownson, Stevey Marsh, and Aid Todd have been at it for over three decades now, and their live show has lost none of its voltage.
This is a band that earned their place in the ’90s canon and has spent the last few years reminding everyone exactly why. May is going to be loud.
East Coast Tour Dates:
May 7 – Philadelphia, PA – Nikki Lopez
May 8 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom
May 9 – Toronto, ON – Dance Cave
May 10 – Montreal, QC – Le Ritz Montreal
May 11 – Boston, MA – City Winery
May 13 – New York, NY – Sony Hall
May 14 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power
May 15 – Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery
May 16 – Hamden, CT – Space Ballroom