They Might Be Giants Spend Three Days at Union Transfer, Philadelphia
- Sarah Bruno
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
They Might Be Giants came to Philadelphia to perform 3 consecutive sold-out shows at Union Transfer from May 15-17. They Might Be Giants (TMBG) is a New York alternative pop-rock band founded by John Flansburgh (vocals, guitar) and John Linnell (vocals, keyboards, accordion, woodwinds). Due to the structure of their shows, there was no opener; instead, TMBG performed a two-set show.
While Flandburg and Lindell are the band’s founders, they could not have put on such a phenomenal show without their backing musicians. Dan Miller (guitar, keyboards, backing vocals), Danny Weinkauf (bass, keyboard), and Marty Beller (drums, percussion) helped make the sound feel just right. Lucky for Philadelphia, most of their bigger shows include “The Horns,” which is a trumpet, trombone, and saxophone trio. With a large variety of instruments, it was mesmerizing how each sound fit so perfectly.
TMBG’s sound is unique and tends not to take themselves as seriously as most musicians on stage. Touring since the late 80’s, Lindell and Flandburg are comfortable on stage and make it feel like home for them. Chatting between songs, it was as if the audience could listen in on their personal conversations. They even asked to turn on the house light to “see how many men in glasses with beards were in the crowd,” which was a moment of self-deprication that made everyone laugh, knowing it was the truth.
Their songs had a cadence similar to Bo Burnham's parodies, while their voices sounded like R.E.M.’s lead singer, Michael Stipe. Yet, the overall sound of TMBG is completely original-sounding with goofy lyrics and incredible instrumentals that can’t be copied. TMBG has its own sound, which keeps fans coming back to their shows, as it is always an all-ages show!
At Union Transfer, there wasn’t a barricade for the show, which allowed fans to get up close and personal with the band, and was a deliberate choice by TMBG, as this is a very uncommon sight at the venue. As TMBG took the stage, the audience erupted in excitement, all standing shoulder to shoulder in a hot, hazy room. Their fanbase was a varied mix of dads, kids experiencing their first concert, and a large LGBTQIA+ audience. They started off the show (and entire first set) by playing their album “Factory Show” (1996) from front to back. As the first set began, they had a computer-operated lighting system, which was very impressive and kept the audience engaged, as if they couldn’t look away.
For their second set, they play more of the cult classics such as “Damn Good Times,” “Dr.Worm,” and “Birdhouse in Your Soul.” The audience never lost their enthusiasm throughout the 2.5-hour-long show, and the band didn’t seem to lose momentum either! In fact, TMBG decided to perform not one but two encores, including “Istanbul (Not Constantinople),” which brought everyone right back to 7th-grade history class and to the song they learned for educational purposes (of course). Overall, They Might Be Giants put on a brilliant show for all ages, and it was an excellent display of musicians who don’t take themselves so seriously but still put on a beautifully entertaining show!
