Shows/1990-11-17
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Links:
- Backstage photo from the tmbg.com photo album
- Rip It Up review with a photo of John Flansburgh from the show
- Photo of John Linnell from the show from Rip It Up
Setlist: (incomplete and possibly out of order)
They Might Be Giants
The Powerstation in Auckland, New Zealand
November 17, 1990
Fan Recaps and Comments:
The first time They Might Be Giants performed in New Zealand, the band was provided with a "City of Auckland" bass drum for the show, as the tmbg.com photo album mentioned: "We couldn't bring a marching band bass drum on the plane with us to New Zealand."[1]
A review of the show by Michael Sheils
Rip It Up, Dec. 1, 1990:
I waltz into the joint, it's comfortably fullish and it's neat because NOBODY KNOWS WHAT TO EXPECT. The only indication is three large photos of an anonymous Soviet swimmer [sic] blankly glaring from the back of the stage. There isn't a drumkit or keyboard in sight. On they come, suitably nerdish and dropping clangers about this being the first time they've played here. Left-handed four eyed guitarist John is the focus ("frontman" doesn't seem right for a two-piece), providing energy and overall ker-aziness. Whether indulging in mock rock guitar heroics (great grimaces) or racing about the stage playing two horns at once he steals the show with an air of hilarity. Right-handed accordion-squeezing other John wisely stays out of his way and plays straightman cum sensitive.
OK, the show, the backing tapes were a bit murky but what the heck the audience was too busy enjoying themselves to worry and anyway the lightshow more than compensated. We're talking Purple Rain and believe me, when there's only two people on stage that's pretty funny. And when kerr-azee John comes on stage wearing a marching drum with "City of Auckland" emblazoned across it, the deal is clinched. Toe-rag free audience gets more than their money's worth.
I'm surprised, heck we're all surprised at the energy they generate and many a jaded palate squealed in delight as this winsome duo whipped up a minor frenzy. A triumph, and there was only two of them. Encore, encore.