BIOGRAPHY
Bombargo is a Canadian band of brothers known for their infectious blend of funk, soul, rock & roll, unforgettable live performances, and their mission of delivering "The Goodtime Guarantee™" wherever they go. From surfing on crowds (literally), hanging from the ceiling, or planting seeds of gratitude, there’s only one thing a Bombargo show can guarantee, and that’s a Goodtime.
Fronted by Nathan Thoen and brother Anthony Thoen (guitar) alongside Spencer Chilliak (guitar), Sammy Lee Folkersen (bass), and Niall Cubbon (drums), Bombargo has built a reputation as one of Canada's most energetic and engaging live acts, combining sing-along anthems, rich harmonies, and groove-driven musicianship into a show that leaves audiences dancing long after the final encore.
The band's journey began when Nathan and Spencer embarked on a spontaneous 16-hour road trip to Sasquatch Music Festival. Inspired by the experience, they wrote their first song, "Let It Grow," which has since surpassed 8 million streams on Spotify alone and helped launch their debut EP, Back on Main. They followed with their first full-length album, We Are Bombargo, establishing the vibrant, feel-good sound that would become their trademark.
Bombargo's rise accelerated in 2018 when Taylor Swift selected their single "Mr. No Good" for her “Songs Taylor Loves” playlist alongside artists such as Ed Sheeran and Kendrick Lamar. The recognition led to features in Billboard, People, NME, CBC's Q, and numerous other media outlets, making Bombargo the only independent artist included in the playlist.
The band's momentum continued with their breakout single "Oxygen," which reached Canada's Hot AC Top 40, helping introduce Bombargo to a national audience. They went on to perform on the Main Stage at Okeechobee Music Festival and joined Cory Wong and Karl Denson for the festival's renowned Pow Wow Super Jam. Along the way, they also made a cameo appearance in the feature film Bill & Ted Face the Music.
In recent years, Bombargo has emerged as a formidable international touring act. Throughout 2024, the band released their single Pieces of My Heart and embarked on the Pieces of My Heart Tour while also supporting artists including Michael Franti, Stephen Marley, Citizen Cope, and Trevor Hall. The combined touring schedule brought the band's annual total to more than 104 performances across North America.
Building on that momentum, Bombargo spent 2025 on the road with both the Stay Groovy Tour and the Disco Surf Rodeo Tour, further expanding their audience across the United States and Canada. Across 2024 and 2025 alone, the band performed more than 200 shows, appearing at major festivals and venues while continuing to grow a loyal grassroots following through relentless touring.
In February 2026, Bombargo brought the Disco Surf Rodeo Tour overseas for their most ambitious international run to date. The tour sold out shows across the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, and Denmark, while also taking the band to Italy, where they performed as part of Canada's Olympic celebrations.
Over the course of their career, Bombargo has shared stages with artists including Allen Stone, Michael Franti, Stephen Marley, Citizen Cope, John Butler Trio, Trevor Hall, and The Dead South, while performing at notable festivals such as BottleRock, Summerfest, Wonderfront, Treefort, Frendly Gathering, and Mustache Bash.
Now entering their next chapter, Bombargo is preparing to release their third full-length album, Love, In Spite of Everything, on August 28, 2026. The album will be preceded by a series of summer singles and supported by the Love, In Spite of Everything Tour throughout North America in the fall. With plans to continue touring internationally, including a return to Europe in 2027, Bombargo remains focused on connecting people through uplifting music, unforgettable live experiences, and the belief that good times are always worth sharing.
After more than a decade of building their audience one song and one show at a time, Bombargo continues to prove that timeless melodies, genuine connection, and positive energy never go out of style.