fun. Play the Roseland in Portland

By Staff • February 11, 2010

fun., Portland, OR
by Brianne Turner, photography by Justin Patterson

During the second stop of their tour with Jack’s Mannequin, fun. hit the stage of the Roseland Theater to play most of the songs from their debut album, Aim and Ignite. Third official band member Jack Antonoff is with his other band preparing for a tour with Tegan and Sara, but Nate Ruess, Andrew Dost and their traveling ensemble made sure to do his absence justice during their Portland stop.

As the middle band on a triple bill, fun. took the stage after (Kansas City natives) Vedera and inspired some of the audience to dance and sing along, which is almost impossible in Portland. (Sorry, Portland. You don’t tend to dance or sing along.) Nate Ruess’ energy is always infectious and nonstop, giving the impression that he’s made it his personal business to be sure that you have fun at a fun. show. Toward the end of their set, the band transitioned into a cover of Queen’s “Radio Ga Ga,” most presumably for the reference to the state of music industry and not to the pantsless performer. Most of the crowd had no idea what was going on because: teenagers, but that song is not that old, so these kids need to hit the books. No excuses. (Blame the parents!)

fun. will be on the road with Jack’s Mannequin and Vedera until March. The band will begin their tour with Motion City Soundtrack in April then hit the road with Paramore less than a month later.

Set list:
1. “Walking the Dog”
2. “I Wanna Be the One”
3. “All the Pretty Girls”
4. “Light A Roman Candle with Me”
5. “At Least I’m Not As Sad (As I Used To Be)”
6. “The Gambler”
7. “Radio Ga Ga” cover (Queen)
8. “Take Your Time (Coming Home)”