December 15, 2024 was the tour finale, at the Orpheum
They Might Be Giants closed out their Northeast tour with a triumphant and joyfully eccentric performance at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston. Known for their mix of wit, musical inventiveness, and deep connection with fans, the band delivered a setlist that spanned their eclectic catalog, leaving the sold-out crowd in awe of their enduring creativity and charm.
The show kicked off with the playful Synopsis for Latecomers, immediately setting a meta, self-aware tone as John Linnell and John Flansburgh welcomed the audience into their world of offbeat storytelling and genre-defying sound. Fans were on their feet as the band launched into the upbeat No One Knows My Plan and Snail Shell, both showcasing their knack for transforming quirky lyrics into irresistible earworms.
Check out the full gallery of photos by Deaf Boy Photography here.
The middle of the set was a showcase of their musical range. Memo to Human Resources and Man, It’s So Loud in Hereoffered a nod to their synth-heavy experiments, while Unrelated Thing and Where Your Eyes Don’t Go dipped into more introspective territory. Moonbeam Rays, a standout from their more recent work, captivated with its lush harmonies and wistful lyrics.
One of the night’s many highlights was the wild energy of The Darlings of Lumberland, complete with the band’s brass section adding an otherworldly edge. Crowd-pleasers Spider and Spy brought theatrical humor, with Flansburgh’s antics on full display. During Lie Still, Little Bottle, the inclusion of “The Stick” as a percussion instrument had the audience roaring in delight, showcasing the band’s irreverent ingenuity.
The concert’s momentum never faltered. Fan favorites like Can’t Keep Johnny Down, Twisting, and Doctor Worm had the crowd dancing and singing along, while Particle Man and Let Me Tell You About My Operation reminded everyone why the band’s unique storytelling remains as fresh as ever.
As the night drew to a close, the poignant The End of the Tour provided an emotional moment, reflecting the bittersweet nature of concluding their journey through the Northeast. But TMBG kept the fun alive with encore hits, including the inescapably catchy Istanbul (Not Constantinople) and the timeless New York City,Ba celebratory ode that felt particularly fitting as a nod to their roots.
The band left the stage with Birdhouse in Your Soul, which brought the house down. It was a finale that encapsulated what makes They Might Be Giants so beloved: their ability to mix absurdity with sincerity, humor with heart, and intellect with unabashed fun.
For those lucky enough to be at the Orpheum, the night wasn’t just a concert—it was a jubilant reminder of why They Might Be Giants remain an enduring and vital force in music. The crowd left buzzing with energy, already hoping for their next return to Boston.
Set 1:
Synopsis for Latecomers
No One Knows My Plan
Snail Shell
Out of Jail
Particle Man
Let Me Tell You About My Operation
The End of the Tour
Meet James Ensor
The Famous Polka
Stellub
Dirt Bike
When Will You Die
Brontosaurus
Set 2:
Sapphire Bullets of Pure Love
Memo to Human Resources
Man, It’s So Loud in Here
Moonbeam Rays
Unrelated Thing
Where Your Eyes Don’t Go
The Darlings of Lumberland
Spider
Spy
Lie Still, Little Bottle (w/ The Stick)
Can’t Keep Johnny Down
Twisting
Doctor Worm
Encore:
Istanbul (Not Constantinople) (The Four Lads cover)
Encore 2:
New York City (cub cover)
Birdhouse in Your Soul
Check out the full gallery of photos by Deaf Boy Photography here.
To submit an article an article or review, or to just say hello hit us at [email protected]
Also- check out the search feature in the upper right hand corner and search for your favorite artist, event, venue or genre. You’ll be surprised at what you find!
Check out the Live Music News and Review.com Facebook page for updates and announcements.
