As a friend once told me, chances are people have heard at least one song by They Might Be Giants. Even if it’s just the Malcolm in the Middle theme, they are everywhere. This was the case for me when I visited The Vic Theatre on May 3rd, 2026. It was the third and final night of their Chicago weekend. When I saw the line wrap around the block, I realized how much these fans revere this band. That ardent feeling stayed from the moment the band took the stage until their final trumpet solo two and a half hours later. They Might Be Giants gave an engaging, charming, and spectacular performance. It was filled with humor, love, and skill.
What I knew about They Might Be Giants beforehand could not compare to the night they provided.
In a June 2025 concert review, I mentioned a coworker who played Will Wood on repeat. They Might Be Giants was another staple of theirs. Because of this, I had constant exposure to their music. I knew the silly, carefree nature of songs like “Istanbul (Not Constantinople)” and “Particle Man.” However, I clearly had a lot to learn. As I listened to more of their discography before the show, my one-dimensional understanding grew. I became more curious and engaged. I knew their confident songwriting would translate well live. Still, once I arrived at the venue, I realized I didn’t know what I was in for.
The fans struck me immediately with their kindness. The crowd was diverse in age and always up for a chat. This is a rare find at concerts these days. Shortly after 8 p.m., the lights went out to a roaring crowd. Guitarist John Flansburgh and singer John Linnell graced the stage. They were joined by their illustrious horn and rhythm sections. They opened with “S-E-X-X-Y,” kicking off their Factory Showroom setlist. For each night of this tour, the first set highlights a specific album. The second set is a mix of hits. The band wanted to give a unique show. According to Flansburgh, the audience could say, “I saw them perform one of their least-known albums.”
The band shared great banter between songs. This made the show feel intimate despite the crowd.
The Vic is a smaller venue, but the witty yaps between Flansburgh and Linnell added great context. They provided several laughs throughout the night. Linnell even joked about his parasocial relationship with the audience. He called everyone his friends, despite not knowing them. Flansburgh also admitted to some nerves. He kept a music stand on stage for the second song because he was afraid of messing it up. Going into “The Bells are Ringing,” they immediately mess it up. Linnell laughed it off, and the band restarted. They performed the beautiful song flawlessly the second time. It was an amusing moment that set a great tone. After the third song, the band even invited photographers on stage for a group picture. They were determined to ensure everyone had a good time.
The set moved through songs like “XTC vs. Adam Ant,” “James K. Polk,” and “Metal Detector.” The band’s whimsy was met by the audience’s passionate singing. The musicians were clearly enjoying themselves. Flansburgh introduced almost every first-set song with a Frank Sinatra voice. They even plugged their tote bags like an NPR pledge drive. After finishing the Factory Showroom tracks, they played a new song: “Wu-Tang” from their latest album, The World Is to Dig. To finish the first set, they played “Eyeball” and “Get Down.” They closed with “Particle Man,” where Linnell finally used the accordion that had been waiting onstage.
After a brief intermission, it was time for They Might Be Giants hits!
The second set began as the lights dimmed and the theme to Godzilla played. The goofy, larger-than-life Brooklyn heroes were ready for more. Songs like “Don’t Let’s Start” and “Doctor Worm” rang through the venue with powerful energy. I spent most of the show trying to guess the titles, but eventually, I just enjoyed the moment. The songs are incredibly catchy. The band performed with joyful energy, especially the horn section. As a trombone player, I loved watching the soloist, particularly during “Pet Name.”
I actually found the first set more interesting than the second. As a casual listener, the focus on one album was a great way to learn about the band. By the end of the night, I felt I had a great understanding of their accomplishments. Their music is unique, quirky, and proud. The fanbase is also incredibly strong. The band blessed the crowd with two encores. The first included “She’s Actual Size” and “Why Must I Be Sad?” The second was “Istanbul (Not Constantinople).”
For the finale, the trumpet player delivered a furious solo. It was a nasty array of notes with a brilliant call-and-response. After the show, I felt curious about the first two nights of the residency. The band joked that these weekends make them very familiar with the audience. Many fans attended all three shows. I learned a lot about this passionate community. They Might Be Giants is a band I once only associated with a coworker. Now, I’m convinced of their artistry and delightful vibe.
All photography by Oscar De Leon
