Live Review: The Format + Ben Kweller + Adult Mom @ The Eastern, Atlanta - April 4th, 2026

35 minutes ago
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Performer in a cap plays guitar on stage under "The Format" sign. Red lighting creates an energetic atmosphere. Another musician in the background. — The Format photo by Anna Daugherty

The Eastern took on a historic weight on April 4th as The Format, the Arizona indie-pop duo, Nate Ruess and Sam Means, finally made their triumphant return to Atlanta. This nearly-sold-out crowd had waited 20 years for this moment, so the energy was less about nostalgia and more about a long-overdue reunion with a band that defined indie music for a generation.

The night began with an emotional, intimate set from Stevie Knipe of Adult Mom. Performing solo with an acoustic guitar, Knipe steered the room through a vulnerable exploration of grief and identity. The soft indie melodies felt magnified in the large space, as the audience fell into a respectful hush. This was extra bittersweet, as it was Adult Mom's last appearance on this tour.

Musician with pink hair playing guitar and singing onstage. She sits in a wooden chair, surrounded by drums and cables, wearing black boots. — Adult Mom photo by Anna Daugherty

Ben Kweller followed, initially mirroring that intimacy with a solo acoustic start before his three-piece band joined him at his microphone. The shift from the low-key vulnerability to a dynamic performance was seamless. Kweller and his band kept the complex emotion in their lyrics, but brought up the energy. As the crowd got moving, this was a perfect primer for The Format’s set.

Two musicians perform on stage under blue and orange lights, playing electric guitars. A backdrop reads "THE". Energetic atmosphere. — Ben Kweller photo by Anna Daugherty

When the clock struck 8:35, the stage bathed in blue light for The Format. Ruess opened with a deliberate, slow-burn start before Sam Means and the touring band exploded into the upbeat set. Every one of the first four songs got the crowd jumping and singing along. After “Tune Out,” Ruess paused to talk about how much he loved Atlanta and how much time there was to make up for.

Singer passionately performing on stage, wearing a white "Crack Wack" shirt. Vibrant blue poster and keyboard in the background. — The Format photo by Anna Daugherty

The set was banger after banger, and it was also fun to watch the physical elements on stage shift. The stage was mainly decorated with clouds that lit up and a large sign that read “The Format.” For instance, when they started playing “The Compromise," the clouds and the sign went red to match the tone of the song.

After “Holy Roller,” the touring band members left the stage, leaving just Ruess and Means, where they then took another moment to yet again thank the crowd. It had been 10 years since Ruess last toured and 18 years for Means. They then went into an acoustic and emotional “On Your Porch," leaving no dry eye in the house.

The energy picked up immediately after with “Dog Problems,” when the band came back in. When “Boycott Heaven" rolled around, Means lead the vocals. For the last song, “The First Single (You Know Me),” the side stage disco balls lit up and the crowd erupted. The audience threw their hands in the air to the lyrics “Clap our hands and stomp our feet,” as they, in fact, clapped their hands and stomped their feet.

The Format | Boycott Heaven (Official Video)

After a lot of cheering, the band returned for a three-song encore, starting strong with the first track, “No Gold at the Top," off their most recent album. Ruess then once again shouted out Georgia, especially Athens, Georgia and State Route 41 before introducing the next song as a cover from Atlanta’s greatest rock and roll band. They played a rendition of “Losing My Religion" by R.E.M. The set closed with fan-favorite “Oceans.”

The Format put on an incredible show, not missing a beat in the 20 years since their last tour. These are the performances that only make their cult fanbase grow. The Atlanta show was about halfway through the tour, so if they haven’t come through yet, this show is a can’t miss.