LIVE: THEY MIGHT BE GIANTS – St. Petersburg, FL, USA – February 28, 2025

Photo credit: James Zambon

Venue: Jannus Live

City: St. Petersburg, FL

Date: February 28, 2025

Review and Photographs by: James Zambon (https://jameszambon.com)

They Might Be Giants’ performance at Jannus Live on February 28, 2025, was a masterclass in musicianship and showmanship. From the moment they took the stage, John Linnell and John Flansburgh commanded the crowd with their signature blend of humor, charisma, and technical prowess. Linnell’s keyboard and accordion work was as sharp as ever, while Flansburgh’s guitar playing brought a mix of energy and precision to every song. Supporting them, Dan Miller, Danny Weinkauf, and Marty Beller rounded out the sound with a tight, dynamic rhythm section that gave both classic hits and deep cuts a vibrant, full-bodied feel. The mix of instruments, including horns on select tracks, added an extra layer of depth to their already rich sound.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of a They Might Be Giants concert is the witty banter between songs, and this show was no exception. Flansburgh kept the crowd engaged with a mix of self-deprecating humor, absurdist storytelling, and playful interactions with the audience. At one point, he riffed on Florida’s unpredictable weather and the challenges of playing an outdoor venue in February, drawing laughs from longtime fans. Linnell, always the more reserved of the two, added his own dry wit, particularly when discussing the “educational value” of songs like “Particle Man.” The audience was completely in on the joke, cheering at every comedic aside and shouting out requests between songs.

Beyond the humor, there was a palpable joy in both the band’s performance and the audience’s response. Fans of all ages—many sporting vintage TMBG shirts—danced and sang along with every song, creating an atmosphere of pure celebration. Whether it was longtime devotees who had followed the band for decades or newcomers experiencing their eccentric brilliance for the first time, everyone seemed caught up in the band’s infectious energy. The camaraderie between band members was also evident, as they effortlessly bounced off one another musically and playfully exaggerated solos, adding a spontaneous element to the night.

The first encore was the perfect cap to an already stellar show. “Particle Man” turned into a massive singalong, with the entire crowd enthusiastically chiming in on each verse. Then, when we all thought the evening was a wrap, they returned to the stage yet again. And as the unmistakable opening notes of “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” rang out, the energy in the venue peaked. The extended instrumental breakdown gave the band a chance to stretch out musically, with a fiery, almost theatrical rendition that left the audience cheering for more. As the night came to an end, there was a sense that both the band and the fans could have gone on for hours. It was a performance that perfectly encapsulated what makes They Might Be Giants such a beloved act: unparalleled musicianship, a deep connection with their audience, and a commitment to keeping things weird in the best way possible.

Setlist 1: Subliminal – Snail Shell – Out of Jail – Unrelated Thing – Meet James Ensor – The Famous Polka – Synopsis for Latecomers – Everybody Conga – No One Knows My Plan – Dirt Bike – Spy – The End of the Tour – You Probably Get That a Lot – Doctor Worm – Lie Still, Little Bottle – The Darlings of Lumberland – Stellub – Brontosaurus

Setlist 2: Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love – I’m Impressed – We Live in a Dump – Can’t Keep Johnny Down – Shoehorn With Teeth – Wearing a Raincoat – Nothing’s Gonna Change My Clothes – Moonbeam Rays – Stuff Is Way – Damn Good Times – Where Your Eyes Don’t Go – Call You Mom – Let Me Tell You About My Operation – Birdhouse in Your Soul

Encores: She’s an Angel – Particle Man – Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

[Show as slideshow]

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Category: Live Reviews, Photo Galleries