TMBG Information Bulletin Archive/June 1990

This double sided sheet was mailed out to Information Club members in June 1990.

FRONT OF SHEET

June 1990 Information Club Letter (Front)

They Might Be Giants Information

Greetings to all newcomers to the T.M.B.G. Information Club and "hey, how's it goin'?" to you veterans. Yes it's time for the latest update on the Twin Quasars of Rock...those Matadors of Music...They Might Be Giants.

The two Johns have just finished a semi-grueling tour across a large part or the North American continent, playing in 17 U.S. states (& our nation's capitol), and three Canadian provinces. We hope you managed to share some quality time with TMBG when they came to your town. As for the unfortunates in whose home/neighboring town the Giants didn't perform, all we can say is, "Better luck next time."

"But when is next time?!" we can already hear you screaming! At this stage of The Flood Years, the next continent of conquest for They Might Be Giants is Europe. The Johns & crew leave for the U.K. the week of June 3rd, where they will be taping their second appearance on "Top of the Pops". Then it's off to Leeds, where TMBG's first show is at the Irish Centre on June 11th, followed by performances in Manchester, Glasgow (Scotland), Redcar, London (again), Cardiff (Wales), Leicester, Norwich, Cambridge, Birmingham, and ending at University of Sheffield June 27th. (see itinerary on back) The Giants leap on to Roskildë, Denmark for a huge rock fest on June 30th, then play dates in Italy, Germany and the Netherlands during the first half of July before returning to America. Messrs. Linnell and Flansburgh catch up on some much-needed rest in their beloved Brooklyn the latter part of July. The big news for August is... TMBG are opening for none other than the B-52s in a history-making mini-series of performances. The first 2 shows will be at the Forum in Inglewood, CA August 13th (this is an AIDS benefit) & 14th, followed by a show at Aztec Stadium in San Diego, CA (sponsored by radio station 91X). Plans for further touring in the US are in the works.

That wraps yet another TMBG update, and once again we thank you for your appreciation of all things Giant. Keep those cards and letters coming!

The Answers To They Might Be Giants' Ten Most Asked Questions

Which John Is Which?

Flansburgh wears glasses, plays the guitar. Linnell plays the accordian & saxophone (not at the same time though). Both of them sing lead on different songs (such as John L. on "Birdhouse in Your Soul" & John F. on "Lucky Ball & Chain").

Where Do You Get Your Song Ideas?

From life, where else?

How Did You Guys Meet?

John met John when they were both at Lincoln-Sudbury Junior High school in Massachusetts (they were younger and shorter then), went their respective ways, and then reencountered each other years later when they were moving into the same apartment building in Brooklyn on the same day.

Why The Name They Might Be Giants?

A tip of the hat to the 1970 George C. Scott film "They Might Be Giants"—about an eccentric who thinks he's Sherlock Holmes—for inspiration (it's on video, check it out).

Is There Sheet Music For Your Songs?

Not at the moment. However, plans are being made by Dept. PPFNP (the best department in the WHOLE WORLD) to include a songbook in a future catalog. We'll keep you posted.

What About The 1985 Now Out-Of-Print Debut Cassette? If I Send You A Blank Tape & Some Money, Will You Make Me A Copy?

(over)

P.O. Box 110553 - Williamsburg Station - Brooklyn NY - 11211.0003

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BACK OF SHEET

June 1990 Information Club Letter (Back)

TMBG Fun Facts!

FAVORITE BEVERAGES OF THE JOHNS:
Flansburgh--Coffee
Linnell--flat Coca Cola

(Top Ten Questions cont.)

Please hold on to your tapes & cash. Once again Dept. PPFNP is working to make your present wishes future reality. Plans are being made to re-release, by mail order only, this historic slice of Giants history. But right now the 1985 cassette is not available.

What's S.A.S.E.? Why Two?

Self Addressed Stamped Envelope, of course! The 1st envelope is used by us to send you what you're reading now and the second is passed along to the Johns for sending their reply to you, if you've written a letter to them. Those of you who only send S.A.S.E.s and nothing else, your envelopes are used to send info only! Notice to overseas fans: Please DO NOT send us envelopes with your country's postage! We cannot use them. Send two self addressed envelopes with 2 International Reply Coupons, which are obtained at your local post office (the amount of each coupon should be enough for one ounce of Airmail).

Is The Info Club Run By Some Large Organization, Elektra Perhaps? Do The Johns Really See My Letter?

The T M B G Information Club is run by They Might Be Giants and their staff, no one else! Any letters sent to the Brooklyn P.O. Box address are handed over by dedicated TMBG personnel to the Johns as quickly as possible. And, as lots of TMBG "veterans" will testify, the Giants have sent many a memorable reply to their fans.

What About Recent TV Appearances? When's The Next Single/Video Coming Out?

In America, the Johns have now appeared on three of NBC's talk shows—the Tonight Show (April 3rd), Late Night with David Letterman (May 15th), and the Today Show (June 18th). (What's next, Meet the Press?) As noted earlier in this newsletter, the Giants will once again be appearing on Britain's "Top of the Pops", as well as other U.K. TV music shows, in early June. Brits, check your local listings. Their latest Elektra release is Istanbul (Not Constantinople), a 5 inch CD-single featuring the songs, "Stormy Pinkness", "James K. Polk", "Ant" (songs all Dial-a-Song aficionados should recognize), and two versions of the title track. Watch out for the Johns' latest video, "Istanbul (Not Constantinople)", currently being shown on your favorite music video channel.

When Are The Giants Playing In (Fill In Your Information)? Can It Please Be An All Ages Show?

As was said earlier, the Giants will be touring the U.K., Italy, Denmark, West Germany, and Holland in June/July 1990, then opening for the B-52s in California August 13th, 14th, and 18th. They do plan to play more U.S. dates in the fall, which will be announced when they are set, and also an Australian tour is tentatively set for November. We'll keep you updated. As for all ages shows, the Johns are aware of the extreme youthfulness of many of their fans, and always request that their shows be open to all ages when ever possible. But sometimes life is unfair (even for They Might Be Giants), and the "world's address" is a place that's just for those 21 and over.

Bonus Question: I Haven't Received My Fan ID Number Yet! What Do I Do?

Have faith, help is on the way. We've installed new software on our computers that has made it a lot easier to deal with the Flood o' Mail that has been coming in lately. There should be an ID number above your name on the label of this packet o' stuff.
If you already have a number, and the one on this mailing is different, please use this new number. This is now your official number--we solemnly swear.

They Might Be Giants European Tour: June/July 1990

all dates subject to change without notice

• 11 June Leeds, England Irish Centre
• 12 June Manchester, England Ritz
• 14 June Glasgow, Scotland Pavilion
• 15 June Redcar, England The Bowl
• 17 June London, England Town and Country
• 18 June London, England Town and Country
• 19 June Cardiff, Wales Cardiff University
• 21 June Leicester, England Leicester University
• 22 June Norwich, England University of East Anglia
• 23 June Cambridge, England Corn Exchange
• 25 June Birmingham, England Irish Centre
• 26 June Birmingham, England Irish Centre
• 27 June Sheffield, England Sheffield University
• 30 June Rosskildë, Denmark Festival
• 02 July Modena, Italy To be Announced
• 03 July Lugano, Italy To be Announced
• 05 July Nuremberg E Werk or Stuffgart, West Germany Longhorn
• 06 July Dusseldorf, West Germany Tor 3
• 09 July Frankfurt, West Germany Batschkapp
• 10 July Bielefeld, West Germany PC 69
• 11 July Bremen, West Germany Modernes
• 15 July Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg

plus 2 extra TBA dates in the Netherlands July 13th & 14th!