Last night, Jimmy Eat World delivered an electrifying performance at The Van Buren in Phoenix, marking the 20th anniversary of their album Futures. This show wasn’t just about the music—it was a celebration of their hometown roots. Coinciding with the event, October 17, 2024, was officially declared “Jimmy Eat World Day” in Phoenix, recognizing the band’s impact on the local and global music scenes.
Band History and Member Highlights
Formed in 1993 in Mesa, Arizona, Jimmy Eat World consists of Jim Adkins (vocals, guitar), Tom Linton (guitar, vocals), Rick Burch (bass), and Zach Lind (drums). Over the years, the band has grown from local favorites to internationally recognized alternative rock stars. With hit albums like Bleed American and Futures, they have consistently blended emotional depth with accessible pop-rock melodies.
Adkins expressed his gratitude throughout the night, thanking fans for their unwavering support over two decades. He noted that playing Futures live, front to back, was a meaningful way to reconnect with their roots and celebrate this milestone.
The Legacy of Futures
Released in 2004, Futures represented a more introspective sound, with themes of personal growth and ambition. Produced by Gil Norton, the album reached gold certification and included popular singles like “Pain” and “Work.” The band’s dedication to artistic evolution is evident in tracks like “23,” which continue to resonate with fans today. Last night’s performance of the album felt like a collective journey through time, uniting the audience and band in shared nostalgia.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBEA9EQTvrQzxU_6_9KnnrIoI05d8MSfN&si=xDYkxRIJZHlaDu52
The Van Buren: Phoenix’s Top Music Venue
The Van Buren, housed in a 1929 former auto showroom, has become one of Phoenix’s most beloved venues since opening in 2017. Its 1,800 capacity provides an intimate atmosphere for live performances, enhanced by modern acoustics and vintage design. The venue has hosted acts like Billie Eilish, Death Cab for Cutie, and Dua Lipa, making it the perfect setting for Jimmy Eat World’s hometown celebration.
Concert Highlights
The concert opened with the title track “Futures,” followed by fan favorites like “Polaris” and “23.” The crowd, though mostly mellow, erupted during “Sweetness” and “The Middle,” the only moments of the night where fans jumped and sang along with unrestrained enthusiasm. The night concluded with Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” playing over the speakers to quickly clear out the venue, sending fans off with laughter.
Merchandise, Tickets, and a Funny Mix-up
Exclusive Futures-themed merchandise was available, with t-shirts for the one-off occasion priced at $40 USD. Fans could also take photos with a phone booth replica from the Futures album cover. I had been checking Live Nation and StubHub for days, hoping for affordable tickets, but ended up purchasing a $125 USD ticket from Live Nation at the door—just in time for the show to start at 8:45pm.
A lighthearted moment came during the ID check when I accidentally handed over my wife’s Australian driver’s license instead of my own. The confused staffer asked, “And where are you?” before I realized my mistake, adding a fun personal twist to the evening.
Setlist
You can view the full setlist here on setlist.fm.
Jimmy Eat World’s performance was a heartfelt tribute to their legacy and hometown roots. Their ability to connect with fans after 20 years demonstrates the timeless impact of their music. Declaring the day “Jimmy Eat World Day” further highlights the band’s profound influence on Phoenix’s cultural landscape. You can learn more about this special recognition here.
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