Indie rock band The Format, featuring Nate Ruess and Sam Means, performed its first concert in 18 years on Saturday. The sold-out event took place at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix. Fans and the band experienced an emotional return to the stage, which included 19 songs and a cover with Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World.
This reunion follows an 18-year hiatus. The band had originally planned a comeback tour in 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused multiple postponements and eventual cancellations. The Phoenix show marks a significant moment for the band and its dedicated fanbase.
Key Takeaways
- The Format reunited for its first concert in 18 years in Phoenix.
- Nate Ruess and Sam Means performed 19 songs, including fan favorites.
- A planned 2020 reunion tour was canceled due to the pandemic.
- New music may be on the way, with two new songs performed.
- Additional sold-out shows are scheduled in New York and Los Angeles.
A Long-Awaited Return to the Stage
The concert on Saturday was a highly anticipated event. Tickets for the Phoenix show sold out quickly. The band delivered a 19-song setlist. This included popular tracks such as “Tie the Rope,” “On Your Porch,” and “The First Single (You Know Me).”
One notable moment was a cover of Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy.” For this song, The Format was joined by Jim Adkins, the frontman of Jimmy Eat World. This collaboration added a special element to the evening.
“From the very first line of ‘Tie the Rope,’ it was obvious that both the crowd and band were ready to erupt after the 18-year wait. Ruess’s signature timbre sounded as if he hadn’t missed a day, and yet he was nearly drowned out by the audience by the time the opening track reached the chorus,” wrote The Republic in its review of the concert.
The energy between the band and the audience was palpable. Fans sang along loudly, often overpowering Ruess's vocals. This demonstrated the strong connection that remained despite the long break.
Concert Details
- Date: Saturday
- Location: Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, Phoenix
- Setlist: 19 songs
- Special Guest: Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World
Band History and Subsequent Projects
Nate Ruess and Sam Means founded The Format in Peoria, Arizona, in 2002. They quickly gained recognition within the indie and alternative rock scenes. The band released two studio albums during its active period.
Their popularity grew through various avenues. They appeared on an episode of MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16.” The Format also toured with other well-known bands, including The All-American Rejects and Guster. These experiences helped them build a loyal following.
The Format's Early Career
The band formed in 2002 in Peoria, Arizona. They released two albums before their hiatus. Their music blended indie rock with pop sensibilities, earning them a dedicated fanbase. They were active for approximately five years before their initial split.
The Format's last performance was in 2007. The band officially disbanded in 2008. After the split, Nate Ruess achieved significant success with his new project, fun. This Grammy-winning rock band became known for major hits like “We Are Young” and “Some Nights.”
Ruess also contributed to the music industry as a songwriter. He co-wrote songs for several prominent artists. These included Kesha’s “Die Young,” Zedd’s “Stay the Night,” and tracks for Pink, Keith Urban, and Maroon 5. For the past decade, Ruess has largely stepped away from music, prioritizing his family life.
Emotional Reunion and Future Prospects
The plan for a reunion tour in 2020 generated considerable excitement. However, the global COVID-19 pandemic forced the tour to be postponed multiple times. Ultimately, the entire tour was canceled. This left many fans disappointed but eager for a future opportunity.
The recent Phoenix concert proved to be an emotional experience for everyone involved. According to The Republic, fans were seen dancing, crying, and singing along. The band members also felt the weight of the moment.
“I know it’s obvious, but it’s been almost 20 years,” Ruess said during the Saturday concert. “I’ve been wanting to say this for almost 20 years. We are The Format.”
This statement underscored the significance of the reunion after nearly two decades. The anticipation had built up over a long period, making the return even more impactful for the band and their audience.
New Music on the Horizon?
Beyond the reunion shows, there are hints of new material from The Format. The Republic reported that Nate Ruess performed two new songs during the concert. One track, described as “borderline-Tom Petty-inspired,” is titled “Shot in the Dark.” The other new song is called “Holy Roller.”
This suggests that the reunion might extend beyond just playing old hits. The possibility of new music adds another layer of excitement for fans. The creative spark appears to be rekindled for the band members.
Potential New Songs
- "Shot in the Dark" (described as Tom Petty-inspired)
- "Holy Roller"
Ruess himself reflected on his return to music. He shared his thoughts on The Format’s website. He expressed how special the reunion has been.
“For the last like 10 years I’ve been much happier and much more sane at home raising kids, and I told myself it would have to take something so special to even take my mind off of that- and this reunion and preparing for these shows (specifically this go around) have been nothing short of magical so far,” Ruess wrote. “I didn’t even realize how much I missed these songs (and this group).”
This personal reflection highlights the deep connection Ruess feels to the music and the band. It suggests that the reunion is not just a one-off event but a meaningful return to his musical roots.
Upcoming Performances
The Phoenix concert is not the only reunion show planned. The Format is scheduled to play additional sold-out concerts. These include performances at the Beacon Theatre in New York and the Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Fans still looking for tickets can explore secondary markets. Options include Seat Geek, Vivid Seats, and StubHub. However, prices on these platforms may vary significantly due to high demand for the limited shows.
Upcoming Tour Dates
The Format has two more confirmed sold-out shows. These are in major cities, indicating strong demand across the country. The limited number of performances makes these events highly sought after by fans who have waited years for the band's return.
The success of the Phoenix show and the sold-out status of upcoming concerts indicate a strong desire from fans to see The Format perform again. The band's return after nearly two decades is a significant event in the indie rock scene.
The potential for new music further fuels excitement. It suggests that this reunion could lead to more than just a nostalgic tour. It could mark a new chapter for The Format, bringing their unique sound to a new generation of listeners while satisfying their long-time supporters.
The band’s ability to rekindle their connection with fans after such a long break is a testament to their enduring appeal. The emotional response from both the audience and the musicians confirms the special place The Format holds in many people's hearts.