The indie-pop band The Format made its highly anticipated return to the stage in Phoenix, Arizona, on Saturday, September 27. The concert marked the band's first performance in nearly two decades, drawing approximately 15,000 fans to the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum for a sold-out show. The evening featured fan favorites, two new songs, and a surprise appearance by Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World.
Key Takeaways
- The Format played their first concert in 18 years to a sold-out crowd in Phoenix.
- The 19-song set included popular tracks and two new songs.
- Jim Adkins from Jimmy Eat World joined the band for a cover of "Hey Jealousy."
- The band, consisting of Nate Ruess and Sam Means, expressed surprise at the massive turnout.
A Long-Awaited Reunion for Phoenix Fans
For many attendees, the concert was more than just a show; it was a high school reunion. The Format, primarily known as the duo of vocalist Nate Ruess and multi-instrumentalist Sam Means, gained significant popularity among Arizona high school students in the mid-2000s. Their 2003 album, Interventions + Lullabies, resonated deeply with a generation of Phoenix millennials before the band disbanded in 2008.
The Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, known as the "Madhouse on McDowell," filled to its 15,000-person capacity. Fans navigated long merchandise lines, which offered custom Suns-themed jerseys and towels, before finding their seats. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, reminiscent of a major sporting event.
Band History
The Format was formed in 2001 by Nate Ruess and Sam Means. They released two studio albums: Interventions + Lullabies (2003) and Dog Problems (2006). The band announced an indefinite hiatus in 2008, leading Ruess to form the Grammy-winning band fun. and Means to pursue other projects.
An Energetic Performance and Emotional Moments
The concert began with "Sirius" by the Alan Parsons Project, a song famously used as the Chicago Bulls' intro. This instantly energized the crowd. From the opening line of "Tie the Rope," it was clear that both the band and the audience were ready for the moment. Nate Ruess's voice sounded strong, and the audience's singing often rivaled his volume.
Fans traveled from across the country to attend the show, singing and dancing along to nearly every song. The five-piece band, which included Means and Marko Buzard on multiple guitars and keyboards, delivered energetic performances of fan favorites such as "Wait, Wait, Wait," "The Compromise," and "Tune Out."
"I know it’s obvious, but it’s been almost 20 years," Ruess told the crowd between songs. "I’ve been wanting to say this for almost 20 years. We are The Format."
This simple introduction ignited a massive cheer from the audience. Ruess, who later achieved global success with fun., acknowledged how much had changed since The Format last performed. He expressed that the band was overwhelmed by the evening's energy, a feeling shared by many in the emotional and nostalgic crowd.
Concert Statistics
- Venue: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum
- Attendance: Approximately 15,000 (sold out)
- Setlist: 19 songs
- New Songs Debuted: "Shot in the Dark" and "Holy Roller"
New Music and Classic Hits
The band quickly moved into more beloved tracks from their discography, including the title track from their 2006 album, Dog Problems. The audience continued to sing loudly during the choruses of "Time Bomb" and "I'm Ready, I Am."
During "A Mess to Be Made," one of their slower songs, the audience illuminated the venue with smartphone flashlights. This common sight at modern concerts was a new experience for The Format, as the first iPhone had only recently launched when they last performed. Ruess reflected on the band's preparation for the return.
"This is the most enjoyable time I’ve ever had," Ruess stated, reflecting on the 2003 song. "We’ve been putting the time in for the last 8 or 9 months just trying to get all of this stuff right and trying to remember how to play all of these songs."
Ruess shared that he and Means initially considered smaller venues like the Nile Underground for their return. However, they decided on the Coliseum, expecting it to be only half-full. To their surprise, tickets sold out within minutes of release. The crowd's reaction was particularly intense when the band played "She Doesn’t Get It," their final hit single from their original run.
The set also included "Janet" from their Snails EP, followed by the EP's titular track, which gained wider recognition through its inclusion on Dog Problems.
Surprise Guest and Grand Finale
Roughly an hour into the show, Ruess picked up an electric guitar, jokingly stating he had "learned a couple of chords." This led to the debut of "Shot in the Dark," a new song with a style reminiscent of Tom Petty. After performing "Give It Up," Ruess, at 43 years old, took a brief break from his energetic stage presence.
The main set concluded with "The First Single (You Know Me)," The Format’s biggest hit. The crowd sang nearly every word at a deafening level, perfectly executing the two quick handclaps in the chorus. Ruess appeared visibly moved as he thanked everyone for "the time of [his] life."
For the encore, Means and Ruess returned, with Ruess wearing a Suns jersey. They performed a powerful singalong of the quiet track "On Your Porch," followed by the full band joining for another new song, "Holy Roller."
Special Guest Appearance
As the evening neared its end, The Format delivered a major surprise. Ruess explained that he, Means, and Buzard had grown up in the Phoenix music scene. They wanted to honor an Arizona band that had inspired them. Jim Adkins, frontman of the acclaimed band Jimmy Eat World, then joined The Format on stage.
Adkins' appearance marked a significant moment in Arizona alt-rock history. Together, they performed a cover of "Hey Jealousy" by the Gin Blossoms, another iconic Arizona band. Means and Ruess then concluded their encore with "A Save Situation." The band returned for a final song, "If Work Permits," before officially ending the night, more than 90 minutes after the show began.
As the Coliseum emptied, local songwriter Sydney Sprague began her set on the outdoor stage, providing continued music for fans leaving the fairgrounds.