They Might Be Giants’ Big Tour has expanded! Starting in 2024, TMBG has been traveling across the US and decided to include the Pacific Northwest. Before heading to Salt Lake City and Seattle, the Johns (Linnell and Flansburgh) integrated perfectly into the weird and wacky city of Portland, OR. This wasn’t just a pit stop, however, as the band kept McMenamins Crystal Ballroom packed for three nights, playing shows Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night.
John Linnell playing the keyboard with John Flansburgh in the back, wearing a red jacket
I couldn’t attend all three of their shows, but according to some attendees who claimed to be fans longer than I’ve been alive, TMBG played a fresh and fun set each night. The Sunday show was no exception, with a set list compiled from multiple albums, plus fun activities for the audience. Even the oven created by the over 90-degree weather couldn’t stop this crowd’s boogie! Another challenge was that there was no barricade for the press. Instead, there was an off to the side VIP section with better AC when compared to (at least) the ADA section of the venue. I spent most of the show in the ADA section, since my partner joined me for the concert and she is a wheelchair user.
Audience pumping their fists while shouting “Drink! Drink!” during the TMBG song Drink
While I’m a casual fan of TMBG, this is the first show I attended. I knew the songs gave a silly, Monty Python vibe, but I was unprepared for the live performance’s unbridled white autistic dad energy. There was a projection behind the band during the whole performance, which ranged from a kid at a science museum playing with camera filters to something you’d see in the Yellow Submarine movie. Their songs were full of improvisational-sounding pieces and impressive solos. The audience wasn’t lectured with back-to-back songs, though, as there was plenty of banter and comments from the Johns in between performances. It wasn’t uncommon for a John to go on a slight rant and then forget what they were saying/playing.
Written set list for TMBG’s 6/8/25 Big Tour show
Along with all the weirdness, the performers’ kindness and humility really showed. Multiple times, the Johns brought attention and praise to their other bandmates (Marty Beller, Dan Miller, and Danny Weinkauf) and their three horn players. They also mentioned inviting their waiter to one of their shows, and congratulated the audience for their participation.
What really got me in the end was the double fake-out. I’m used to concerts having one fake out, where they later come back for the encore. After the first encore, I thanked a staff member for their support and began to leave along with other fans. As I was turning to face the exit, PLOT TWIST, the band jumped back on stage. I think they got about a third of the crowd. No one was upset by having more of this show to love, though. It was truly an unforgettable performance.
John Flansburgh pointing to the audience
