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| John Linnell (r) and Marty Beller (l) of They Might Be Giants @ the Fillmore (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Billed as an 'evening with' They Might Be Giants, the second sold-out show at The Fillmore in San Francisco delivered an unforgettable musical journey led by the founding duo of John Flansburgh and John Linnell. Joined by Dan Miller on guitar, Danny Weinkauf on bass, and Marty Beller on drums, the band was bolstered by a dynamic 3-piece horn section comprising Dan Levine, Stan Harrison, and Mark Pender, who electrified the audience in spurts throughout the night.
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| John Flansburgh & Dan Miller of They Might Be Giants @ the Fillmore (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
The evening kicked off just after 8 PM with a vibrant 50-minute set showcasing tracks predominantly from their album Mink Car. Opening with the infectious rhythm of “Older,” They Might Be Giants seamlessly transitioned through favorites like “Bangs,” “Cyclops Rock,” and the whimsical “Drink!” Each song was punctuated by the tight musical chemistry of the band, with Linnell's keyboard melodies and Flansburgh's animated stage presence captivating the crowd.
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| They Might Be Giants @ the Fillmore (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
True to form, the Johns brought more than just music to the Fillmore—they brought their signature absurdist wit and dry humor, which had the audience laughing nearly as much as they were cheering. At one point, Flansburgh shared a surreal observation about visiting a local laundromat earlier that day, noting with genuine confusion and amusement how everyone there seemed to actually be *enjoying* themselves. “I've been to laundromats all over the world,” he quipped, “and never once have I seen anyone look like they *wanted* to be there.” Later, Linnell followed with a story of his own, describing how he had time to kill and decided to take a ride in a Waymo self-driving car, intrigued by the futuristic novelty—especially since “we don’t have anything like that back on the East Coast.” The stories, delivered with impeccable comedic timing, only added to the quirky, intimate energy that made the evening so memorable.
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| Danny Weinkauf, Marty Beller, and John Linnell of They Might Be Giants @ the Fillmore (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
After a brief 20-minute intermission, the band returned for the second half of the show, launching into a diverse setlist spanning their extensive discography. The horn section stole the show during classics like “Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” where the saxophone and trumpet solos elevated the song to new heights, setting a jubilant tone for the rest of the set.
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| John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants @ the Fillmore (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
Highlights of the evening included the innovative performance of “Stuff Is Way,” where Flansburgh’s quirky use of a camera projecting close-ups of his mouth added a surreal visual element to the stage. The crowd enthusiastically joined in for interactive moments like the clap-along in “Number Three” and singing along to perennial favorites like “Ana Ng” and “Birdhouse In Your Soul.”
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| Marty Beller & John Linnell of They Might Be Giants @ the Fillmore (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
During “Doctor Worm,” Linnell’s accordion playing resonated alongside the brass section, demonstrating the band’s versatility and musical prowess. “Particle Man” was another standout moment, with the horn section delivering a powerful performance that left the audience cheering for more -- an appropriate way to close the second set.
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| John Flansburgh of They Might Be Giants @ the Fillmore (Photo: Kevin Keating) |
The encores were equally memorable, with the ethereal “She’s An Angel” and the energetic cover of “New York City” by Cub showcasing They Might Be Giants’ ability to blend nostalgia with contemporary flair. Closing the night with “Birdhouse In Your Soul,” the band left an indelible mark with their most iconic song, ensuring that the evening concluded on a high note of communal joy and musical excellence.
Overall, They Might Be Giants’ performance at the Fillmore was a testament to their enduring creativity, quick wit, and ability to connect with their audience through not just their music, but their irreverent, charming personalities as well -- it's no surprise that the 3-night run was completely sold out!
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