They Might Be Giants perfom at The Vic Theatre in Chicago on May 3, 2026.
The beloved alt-rock duo They Might Be Giants closed-out a three-night run at The Vic Theatre in Chicago with a setlist full of rare plays, hits, and new material on Sunday, May 3. The show unfolded in two sets. The first highlighted songs from 1996’s Factory Showroom as well as new music from their 2026 release The World Is to Dig and more.
There was no opener – the band warmed-up for themselves – but John Flansburgh and John Linnell still wanted fans to enjoy the traditional opening act experience.
“Like on the first nights, we make the same request on the third night. Please treat us like any other opening act. Keep your arms folded at all times. Shake your head slowly left to right with a disengaged eye-averting stare,” said Flansburgh as fans chuckled and followed his prompts.
Along with drummer Marty Beller, bassist Danny Weinkauf, and guitar player Dan Miller, the band was joined by a talented horn section which was highlighted on songs like “Metal Detector,” “How Can I Sing Like a Girl” and the polka-party that is Flood‘s “Particle Man.” “The Bells Are Ringing,” “XTC vs Adam Ant,” and “James K. Polk” were also among the Factory Showroom tracks that appeared during set one.
They Might Be Giants perfom at The Vic Theatre in Chicago on May 3, 2026.
Flansburgh was met with a chorus of cheers when he said, “It’s the Factory Showroom show! Just think, in the future, you’ll be able to tell people. I saw [They Might Be Giants] performing one of their least known albums.”
Hands shaped like Ws went up in the air as TMBG performed their new single “Wu-Tang,” an ode to the legendary New York hip-hop collective. The catchy 2026 song “Eyeball” also had everyone bopping across the packed venue.
After a short “coffee break,” the band returned for another full set that included such fan favorites as “Birdhouse in Your Soul” and many more.
Check out photos from the third and final night of They Might Be Giants’s The Bigger Show Tour in Chicago and click here to pick-up tickets to future tour dates. More information can be found at Theymightbegiants.com.
(Photos by Laurie Fanelli)
