if you would have told me, 8 years ago, when i first saw nate ruess perform with The Format at the Metro in Chicago, that i would see him in 2012 singing at the MTV movie awards... well, actually, i might have believed you.
but that's not the point. i don't have cable, so i just finally got chance to see fun.'s performance on MTV this morning, and there was definitely a twinkle in nate's eye the entire time. look how far you've come, my dear. and what an amazing journey.
as a fan, it's really quite exciting to see the progression happen over time. the second time i saw The Format was at the Rave in Milwaukee. Summer of 2004. we sat through what felt like an eternity of watching steel train (sorry jack) and finally... here they came.
nate was a vision. cutoff jorts, faded mickey mouse t-shirt, hair like a lions mane and a cigarette hanging ever so delicately from his mouth. a completely different image than what we saw on MTV, but i can't complain. to say i was devastated when the format broke up in 2008 would be a bit of an understatement. interventions and lullabies was hands down the soundtrack of my senior year of high school, and will forever link me to some fabulous friends who became my family that year.
each subsequent release (snails ep, dog problems, the live album, etc.) continue to be near and dear to my heart. but there is definitely a sense in which fun. has helped pick me up where the format left off. not to say one is a continuation of another. but, when aim & ignite was released in 2009, i was glad to have nate's voice back in my ears.
i could not possibly be more proud of nate and the boys, and more excited to see what the future holds for them. based on their performance at MTV on sunday (link below), and jimmy kimmel last night, i'd say their future is bright.
i know i for one am counting down the days until they make their triumphant return to LaLaLand in august for a triple threat of shows at the Wiltern. <3
MTV Performance: http://www.mtv.com/videos/misc/785886/we-are-young-featuring-janelle-monae-live.jhtml#id=1686010