2026 Live shows TOMORA (Tom + Aurora)

[inchemwetrust]

Confirmed! Just met Biff! Were going in! 

[Biff]

It's going to be hard for me to give a review since I was somehow patient enough to not hear the album before the show (aside from the offical steady drip of songs). I will say it was an amazing show; highly recommend! It was really awesome to see Tom performing in a different style. The show had some amazing moments that match the best energy of the chems shows but also felt much more organic and engaged (nice perk of a smaller indoor venue). I was also floored that Two Shell opened.

It was also nice to stand in line and find Inchemwetrust standing one person ahead of me!

[ThePumisher]

[Enjoyed]

Shot vertically. An entire show.

[Stefan]

Shot vertically. An entire show.

This could have been prevented:

[ThePumisher]

Shot vertically. An entire show.

😂

[Bosco]

I noticed this:Please log in to view this attachment.

The capacity is significantly larger than all the other venues, and is actually shaped like a flying saucer, hence the UFO moniker.

With them offering overnight packages is this some type of Heaven's Gate trip?

[ThePumisher]

October 30th, L'aéronef, Lille (France)

TOMORA + Guests (daft punk i guess...)

Tickets on sale from Friday 22th May @ 10am CET

https://aeronef.fr/agenda/tomora


Please log in to view this attachment.

[Csar]

Interesting to see that this is located on an avenue named after an German Chancellor.

[inchemwetrust]

30+ days later ...I finally squeaked out the review!

The show was spectacular Top to bottom. 

First , I went to the listening party while getting lucky on the paid parking in front of the cafe. I went inside and the first thing I heard was 'Chemical Beats' by the house DJ, who's playing on some CDJ's ,and on the right of the dj, there were some cushy chairs and people chilling with drinks in hand. I turned to the cafe bar and saw Tomora posters everywhere, including stickers and posters near by for guests to take. I grabbed a coconut drink from the fridge, paid for it, and sat down next to the other listeners waiting for the listening party.

'Gravity Bounce' starts bumping in the cafe air!
I bust out the phone and check Discord. I see that somebody has landed at the listening party, and then I immediately type 'I'm inside! I'm the guy in the black and red Chemical Brothers hat!' And that's how I found Matt, who came from Utah and was visiting to see TOMORA live, So we discuss all things 'Chemical',  past shows, records, and tonight's show. 'Star Guitar' now echoes the room, and now I was really feeling the vibe for tonight. 

Then me and Matt went to the DJ and talked to him for a good bit. He told me that he went to weekend one of Coachella and saw Tomora! We also has discussions of the 90's Chemical Bros shows when they came out in Los Angeles. Deep conversation! In addition, he was wearing a 'Major Force' T-shirt, In which I brought up the fact that the Chems put some of their tracks in their sets back in the day, and he nodded 'yes' because he's listened to those DJ sets bootlegs as well!  All of a sudden, the DJ turns on a TV screen behind him and we see a video from Tom and Aurora talking and thanking us for coming to the LP! When that ended, the DJ started playing the album. 

We stayed at the LP until 'My Baby' ended, then me and my new friend drove to the venue. We parked the car and got in line. When I was talking to Matt, I see someone in the corner of my eye that I'm pretty sure I've seen before. He then comes forward and says 'Aren't you in Inchem? It's me, Biff!'

It was such a surprise for him to come out of nowhere, but relieved that a forum OG is in my presence! I introduced him to Matt and vice versa. So we all hit it off very good and discussed past and present shows. It was good seeing him again from a long time ago ( last show I saw him was the Chems live @ Portola or was it the 2019 shows?)

We make our way into the venue and checked out the merch table. They only had Tomora t-shirts!  No stickers, no posters, and no vinyl ( really wanted  the RTA 12' inch.) We all parked near the left back corner of the venue while the opener Two Shell started their set. And let's just say my impression of them is this....no comment! They finish their set and then we get into position in the center of the venue but slightly in front of the booth. 

The overhead stage lights now glow purple-lish. Classical strings are played and then the Tomora intro is played.  I felt somewhat humbled after those spoken words, as there was this harmonious spirit that settled in this venue. Tom comes to the stage and gets behind the mixing console under these heavy neon-magenta lights, thus masking him in a silhouette. RTA hits, and Amalie and Ora finally come out.

RTA

It was super spacious and booming, And it was everything what I thought it would be and more. Way more energetic and lively, than I imagined. When I first heard this song ,I didn't think it would topped by another track on the album, or in this case, live ( more on that later) But what really got my blood pumping was the transition into 'My Baby' which stuck me like lightning! Just a big-time rush just went through my body and no drop in tempo whatsoever. Then they started chanting the 'Starvation' lyrics, and it was so fucking good! Double chants from the girls while Tom was rockin the beat was diabolically insane! And when they dropped that 4 to the floor house beat, I went totally nuts as the girls went behind the gear to jam with Tom! 

Then comes TUSM! 

I don't know what to say! As some of you may or may not know, I was very neutral on this track from 'No Geography' yet here we are. Drum pounding from Tom, and the twins singing, yet I'm wanting to see where this goes! I'm still riding on the momentum from the last 2 songs. What really changed was for me was the combination of the Tomora twins. Their stage presence alone gave more significant weight to the song. Pulsating, stroby, and the 'wah-wah' effects Tom was making was enough to make the this live version a slight upgrade. 'The Thing' is now playing! The crowd is calmer now, The 'floaty' track is ....well its floaty alright! The Tomora twins start banging on the drums on each side of the stage with attached mics on them. The fact that the girls are engaging with the instruments and not just standing on stage and simply singing is a big factor in why this show shines so much more. Now there's like a sea of backwash turquoise light behind the band with some sort of petri dish with eggs shown. This would be the only part of the show where I kind of wanted to go back to the regular manic speed of the earlier songs of the night. I got too hyped up not to climb back down.

'Somewhere Else' IS THE PART THAT REALLY SHOWCASES AURORA PERFECTLY. It radiates so much that it encapsulates Tomora to its fullest! The crowd easily recognizes the song and starts chanting the 'do do de do do de dun.' Plus, all those lights shining on her during the performance ( including during the live stream) put Aurora in a 'come with us' album cover if you catch my drift.

EVE OF DESTRUCTION aka 'Hey! I've seen this episode before' , but new stuff was added! I enjoyed the new scenes from the visualizations that were never used in past shows, and good on Tom for adding a new synthy part near the end (or was it Aurora?)

I Drink The Light bangs! I can easily say this song pulls a emotional warm punch.  Ok maybe im over-exaggerating right now but the crowd is peaked! The overjoy of the crowd with people jumping and raising hands, and feeling the exact same feeling the band has on stage. On a side note, I've never seen Tom so full of life on his mixer dancing away. The track seemed to go on forever. I got lost in the music... COMPLETELY! THIS SONG  MADE MADE FEEL SOMETHING I HAVEN'T FELT IN YEARS. it made me feel when I first fell in love with the Chems at my first show, and now this song gives me the same chills for Tomora. I felt young for a moment!

When 'Come Closer' came on, the crowd was whisper quiet. Tom and Amalie were in the shadows while Aurora had the spotlight on her. This is the part where she is singing her voice, her heart, and her soul.  When she did that big scream, my mind instantly told me 'SHE IS THE ONE!''  Her voice pierced my ears and my body, in a good way of course! It was so healing.  I was a complete wreck when she finished! Her voice shattered me! 

IN A MINUTE is best described as the best energy that I could ever receive as a 'last song' ! 

'I would see, see the sun'  
'I would see, see the sun'  

The part when there's no music and Tom mutes for a bit while Aurora and Amalie sing this simple chorus. It's so heavenly yet spellbinding. Tom cues in the track back again and the ladies are just bouncing everywhere while the crowd is going ballistic. Then Emily and Aurora and went to the gear and played alongside Tom.  Each of them, sharing their passion with this lovely crowd connection. Looked like a church sunday service where everyone is dancing in the pews and raising hands. I looked around behind me and EVERYONE WAS DANCING AND JUMPING LIKE NO TOMORROW! Chemical Brothers fans and Aurora fans uniting for Tomora. I really didn't want this to be over because there was so much energy in the tank at the show and the crowd just ate it up. Tomora then comes front and center and takes a big bow. Strong finish, lively performance, this is the life!

When we left the venue. Biff, Matt and I went outside and talked more about the show and how obliterated we were. We talked up and down about what we just witnessed and how Tomora pulled this off in a short amount of time.

As we were talking, I see someone I know from the corner of my eye texting on his phone.

I see Errol! I shouted his name and he looked up and came over to talk to us as he shook our hands as and I introduced him to Matt. Of course he knew Biff from previous shows. We discuss Tomora,  the Chems shows in the past for a couple of minutes. He told me that he didn't do Coachella this year because the last time he went there, it wore him out, and I don't blame him. We both saved our energy to be here instead. Then Errol had to go! He said goodbyes to us and took off.  It was good seeing him again. Then us three said our goodbyes to each other.

I was glad I ran into Matt at the listening party, and bonus points for bumping into Biff with perfect timing. As for Tomora, the band that went on a curious whim, and lost themselves to music. And perhap set a different standard on how to approach music without the pursuit of perfections and multi-takes. Maybe producers, musicians and singers should now approach it this way when putting out albums. Maybe that's the secret formula to make the music without being serious or with no expectations.

The show was everything I could ever want for Tom and Aurora. I'm really happy that Amalie joined too because she elevates Aurora and Tom as a supporting role, and gives off her own personality and energy that's just as unique as the other band members.

As for the album!  I am now able to listen to it without skips. It really feels like solid debut album, and I say that because I remember what it felt like when I first heard Exit Planet Dust!  The discovery the joy, and the awesome feeling of finding a great album on your first try has now found a way of coming back to me again 31 years later. Tomora rekindles the flame of why I love this music so much!
Until next time, or next album, or next show!

[ThePumisher]

Interesting to see that this is located on an avenue named after an German Chancellor.

🤔

[Bosco]

welp, looks like Tomora has potentially concluded its North American tour before we even realized.

Portola 2026 Lineup

(No Tomora)

Sorry peeps, I know I spoke confidently that they were going to be on the lineup, but apparently Tomora really isn't interested in any extensive touring.

[Csar]

Sorry peeps, I know I spoke confidently that they were going to be on the lineup, but apparently Tomora really isn't interested in any extensive touring.

Wouldn't say they aren't interested. It's probably more a matter of feasibility and profitability. Coachella being two weeks long, it was just smart to get some gigs in-between those while they were already there. I don't believe that would be the case for other festivals. They're not yet as well-established as an act so I guess it could be tougher to sell out shows around those festivals to make it financially sound for them to justify the effort of an extended touring. The booking process and planning is pretty complex as well, I'd presume.

But I share your disappointment!

@inchemwetrust
Holy moly! What a review (must be one of the longest ever?)! Thanks for taking us along the ride. Even after 30+ days it still felt so vivid! It's great to see the energy was shared among the audience as well. It truly doesn't get any better than an engaged crowd that is totally into the music and the moment.
Being able to share that with and old friend, and even making a new one, is just the cherry on top!

I know you were not the biggest fan of Aurora's contribution on NG and to see you now with that newly discovered enthusiasm is just so frigging awesome.

[Bosco]

Wouldn't say they aren't interested. It's probably more a matter of feasibility and profitability. Coachella being two weeks long, it was just smart to get some gigs in-between those while they were already there. I don't believe that would be the case for other festivals. They're not yet as well-established as an act so I guess it could be tougher to sell out shows around those festivals to make it financially sound for them to justify the effort of an extended touring. The booking process and planning is pretty complex as well, I'd presume.

The gigs in-between Coachella weekend this year were in partnership with Goldenvoice, the same people behind Coachella. Those shows wouldn't have existed if Goldenvoice didn't produce them for two reasons: 1) competitive radius clause 2) Goldenvoice (AEG) own The Regency and The El Rey Theatre. Those side shows were the epitome of "low-risk".

I think you're right though. There's hesitancy to produce a tour due to: financial risk, the existing fanbases perhaps haven't translated as well as originally thought, and, the uncertainty of the world economy.

It does come at a surprise that they would pass on Portola, or at least that's how it looks to me. It's seemingly a surefire win. That is unless, Tomora was payed pennies for their Coachella appearance, and simply did it for the live stream exposure. I'm pretty sure Goldenvoice/Portola was on board to have them and even probably tried negotiating for it as a possibility when they signed them for Coachella 2026. Did they have to renegotiate for Portola?

Anywho, yeah, a bit disappointing. With the smaller scaled production, this seemed like an opportunity to maybe hit some locations where the Chemical Brothers haven't played too often over the last 20+ years. However, with them being absent from the Portola lineup, I think the likelihood of any more North American dates is not very likely...  To go further, they were absent from Mexico's Coronoa Capital as well...

Personally, I got my fill with the Coachella live stream. I just wanted to see variance in a Chemical Brother related tour to give me hope that they know America is more than California and New York.

Any chance management is telling Tom to wrap things up on the Tomora front and time to get back to The Chemical Brothers and capitalize on the sudden viral hit, "Go"?

[Wolkenkrabber]

apparently Tomora really isn't interested in [in demand for] any extensive [U.S.] touring.

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[Bosco]

Festivals are their own entity. Festivals have to fill a lineup with artists that they believe will help them sell tickets to the demographic they are aiming to sell to. If Tomora was a headliner, or perhaps a sub-headliner we could use the language that the are "in demand". I think the closest that will happen on this tour is perhaps at Fuji Rock. All I see everywhere else is Euro group (Tomora) plays Euro festivals. So essentially, playing a bunch of festivals as a under card is not indicative of demand. 

Their solo dates at the end of October/November, which have been on sale for two months now, haven't even sold out yet. The venues are not that large with the exception of the German date.

I'm not trying to be some entitled American that feels miffed for being skipped over, I just don't see an indication of success with this project. Which is fine.

[ThePumisher]

I'm not trying to be some entitled American that feels miffed for being skipped over, I just don't see an indication of success with this project. Which is fine.

I'm not even sure if this whole thing was ever actually planned as a success story like in Aurora solo or The Chemical Brothers. I think it was really just about the sheer fun of it and realising that they could inspire one another (and maybe the knowledge that both the Aurora fanbase and the ChemBase will love the whole thing without hesitation). Presumably, that will be reflected in one way or another on the next album by Aurora and the Brothers (which i heard rumors of will feature guest vocals by Beth Orton & Richard Ashcroft + a yet unnamed track based on Problem/Question. The second single will have a remix by Mike D. as a b-side...).

[Bosco]

I'm not even sure if this whole thing was ever actually planned as a success story like in Aurora solo or The Chemical Brothers. I think it was really just about the sheer fun of it and realising that they could inspire one another (and maybe the knowledge that both the Aurora fanbase and the ChemBase will love the whole thing without hesitation).

You're probably right in principle.

But Tom has done more media exposure for Tomora than he has for the Chemical Brothers in the last 25 years. Part of that is modern day accessibility, but he's also putting in some additional effort to help sell something, which we know isn't particularly common behavior from him.

[Csar]

I'm not trying to be some entitled American that feels miffed for being skipped over, I just don't see an indication of success with this project. Which is fine.

I'm not even sure if this whole thing was ever actually planned as a success story like in Aurora solo or The Chemical Brothers.

Their solo dates at the end of October/November, which have been on sale for two months now, haven't even sold out yet. The venues are not that large with the exception of the German date.

This point is a bit of a head-scratcher for me because it was clearly stated by Aurora & Tom that this project was never meant to be anything at all but a fun collaboration of artists who appreciate each others' work and input. I believe - if we happen to like what we're hearing with   - we are massively fortunate that it even got to this stage at all. We've got a really good debut album and a good number of tour dates, considering it is a totally new formation. I know it's not enough and it would be really nice to see them play more places. But remember, they practically came out of nowhere and already secured themselves a spot at Coachella, which is in and of itself a big success in my book. Yeah, maybe they had it a bit easier than truly unknown artists, given their individual popularity, but still, not unimpressive.
Question is, though: How many people are aware they even existed and know who they are if they saw their name advertised somewhere, apart from die-hard fans? This is why I'm not surprised at all that some of the smaller venue shows are not yet sold out. They still need to make a name for themselves as the act TOMORA and gain some exposure before I would apply indicators like that.

But Tom has done more media exposure for Tomora than he has for the Chemical Brothers in the last 25 years. Part of that is modern day accessibility, but he's also putting in some additional effort to help sell something, which we know isn't particularly common behavior from him.

I don't know if that's necessarily true. Apart from that "how-we-did-it" video series where he talks about creating the music, those other media appearances seemed pretty standard interview procedure - disregarding Aurora's self-pleasuring statements
But even if it were the case, like I said, it's a totally new entity that would certainly warrant a little more promo effort than a well established act like the Chems, imo.

And on top of that, the US live market seems to have become much more tougher for foreign artists as well, like we discussed in this thread. Especially for lesser known performers. Heck, even the Chems are more hesitant to come here due to viability aspects. You need visa that are double the price tag than they used to be, you have bigger distances between locations and on and on, which makes touring quite financially challenging, I guess.

[Bosco]

All fair. I could nitpick about the exposure, but I'll just say,  I see it differently.

In my mind, if it were just a "fun project", it would exist without all the added effort such as: teasers, interviews, clips, appearances, etc.. Similar to Tom Rowlands solo stuff. Tomora is executing a concept and usually that comes with some expectation.