Shows/2025-09-26

11 wikians attended: Cremetangerine, Einarfour, FluffySciKitten, FredReed, GBz, Ghiros, Kayakcup, Mamazaf, Mrb8s, Museumofidiots, Zafiredis

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Links:

• Screen recording of @tmbgofficial Instagram livestream of set 2

• Setlist

Setlist:

Set 1:

• Stompy Intro
• Synopsis For Latecomers
• Birdhouse In Your Soul
• Older
• Bangs
• Cyclops Rock
• Man, It's So Loud In Here
• Drink!
• Hovering Sombrero
• Mink Car
• Working Undercover For The Man
• stelluB
• Moonbeam Rays
• Brontosaurus

Set 2:

• Video of stelluB reversed
• What Nut Intro
• Stuff Is Way
• Wearing A Raincoat
• Damn Good Times
• Lie Still, Little Bottle
• Withered Hope
• Turn Around
• Underwater Woman
• Cloisonné
• Ana Ng
• Meet James Ensor
• The Famous Polka
• Istanbul (Not Constantinople)

Encore 1:

• Particle Man
  • Rocket Number Nine Take Off For The Planet Venus
• Doctor Worm

Encore 2:

• Where Your Eyes Don't Go

They Might Be Giants
The Ogden Theatre in Denver, CO
September 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM

Fan Recaps and Comments:

This show marked the first performance of "Withered Hope" since 2016. The show's second set was streamed on Instagram via the band's official account.

MRB8s:

What an incredible show! While the setlist prominently featured tracks from Mink Car, it was far more than just a tribute to that album—it was a celebration of They Might Be Giants’ entire discography. The band pulled songs from nearly every major release, including their iconic debut album, Lincoln, Flood, Apollo 18, John Henry, Severe Tire Damage, Long Tall Weekend, The Spine, The Else, Nanobots, Join Us, Glean, and Book. It was a true journey through their musical evolution.

One of the most unexpected and delightful moments was the reappearance of The Stick—a quirky stage prop I hadn’t seen since way back in 2001. It was a nostalgic surprise that added a layer of charm and humor to the performance.

This was my first time at the Ogden Theatre, and I was really impressed. The venue had a great vibe—intimate yet energetic—and reminded me a lot of **The Depot** in Salt Lake City, where I usually catch TMBG shows. Both venues share that cozy, historic feel that makes live music feel personal and immersive.

Another highlight was the inclusion of the horn section, which has become a staple in their live shows over the past several years. Their presence adds so much depth and dynamic range to the music, and you could tell the audience was loving every minute of it. The horns bring a richness and punch that elevate the live arrangements beyond the studio versions.

A particularly memorable moment came during the intro to Birdhouse In Your Soul, when John Linnell accidentally swapped the word “actually” with “oxygen.” He paused afterward to comment on it, saying he’d never had that happen before—his mind had simply wandered mid-song. It was a small slip, but it made the performance feel even more human and spontaneous.

What I love most about TMBG’s shows is how they treat the audience like part of their inner circle. Their banter on stage feels like a casual, private conversation—filled with random musings, jokes, and offbeat observations. It’s clear they’re genuinely enjoying themselves, and that joy is infectious. You don’t just watch a TMBG concert—you feel like you’re hanging out with them.